China orders recall of over 4.3 million EVs over hidden emergency door handles

China has ordered its largest automotive recall to date, affecting more than 4.3 million electric vehicles from Tesla and eight domestic automakers over safety concerns with door handles that could hinder escape during emergencies. The recall, announced by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), primarily addresses interior emergency door releases that blend into the surrounding trim, making them difficult to locate or operate when a vehicle’s electrical system fails after a collision.

Tesla is the most heavily impacted company, with the recall covering nearly 2.98 million vehicles, including imported and domestically built Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X cars. The recall is scheduled to begin on September 25. In response, Tesla will install warning labels at no cost to clearly identify the emergency handles. Additionally, the company will deploy an over-the-air software update designed to automatically lower all windows following a collision to facilitate exit and rescue.

The Chinese recall also encompasses about 1.3 million vehicles from other manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Geely, Dongfeng, Chery, Beijing Automotive, First Auto Works, Leapmotor, and...