Nearly Three Million Teslas Recalled in China Over Hidden Door Handles
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Nearly Three Million Teslas Recalled in China Over Hidden Door Handles
Image source: AFP via Getty Images
By Osmond Chia, Business Reporter
Published 24 August 2026, 04:27 BST Updated 4 hours ago
Minimalistic door handles, a signature feature of electric vehicles (EVs), have become the center of a significant recall in China affecting over 4 million vehicles.
The recall involves 2.98 million Chinese-made Teslas and other brands like XPeng, Xiaomi, and Geely, due to safety concerns regarding hidden door handles. These handles are often difficult to locate and operate, posing potential risks in emergency situations.
Tesla attributed the recall to handles that are "difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim." They plan to place warning labels on affected vehicles and implement a software update for automatic window lowering post-collision.
This issue has gained attention after two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs, suggesting power failures might have hindered door opening. The use of hidden handles, initially popularized by Tesla's Model S, has since been widely adopted by Chinese EV manufacturers.
Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, noted that the "sleek" design has "snowballed" among Chinese brands. He questioned the effectiveness of warning labels and software updates as lasting solutions.
In February, China banned hidden door handles, effective from 1 January 2027. New regulations will require cars to have mechanical releases on both interior and exterior doors for sale in the country.
Hidden door handles were also under scrutiny by US safety regulators following reports of sudden malfunction, leading to children being trapped inside vehicles.