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The campaign covers the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X that were manufactured in China or imported into the country, according to Reuters. The regulator is concerned that following a serious accident and an electrical system failure, passengers may not immediately locate or use the emergency door-opening mechanism.
Tesla will install warning stickers and release an over-the-air software update. The update will automatically lower the windows after a collision to make it easier for passengers to exit the vehicle and for first responders to gain access.
In addition to Tesla, eight other automakers are participating in the campaign, including Xiaomi, Leapmotor, XPeng, and Geely. Xiaomi is recalling approximately 390,000 vehicles, Leapmotor—371,000, and XPeng—264,000 vehicles.
The decision to tighten safety standards was prompted by several accidents that raised questions about the effectiveness of the emergency mechanisms. In one case reported by Chinese state media, the driver of a Xiaomi SU7 died after the car collided and caught fire: witnesses were unable to open the doors to pull him out.
Hidden door handles became widespread in the automotive industry following the introduction of the Tesla Model S. According to Tu Le, managing director of the consulting firm Sino Auto Insights, Chinese manufacturers began actively adopting this design around 2014, seeking to make their cars more visually elegant.
However, the expert believes the current measures are more of a temporary fix. Warning stickers and a software update do not change the underlying design principle, which can create difficulties in an emergency.
China has already tightened its requirements for door design: starting January 1, 2027, new cars must be equipped with mechanical door-opening mechanisms that can be operated from both the outside and the inside.
The issue is also being addressed in the U.S. In July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the possible development of a new standard for emergency door-opening mechanisms. However, U.S. automakers have not yet notified the regulator of any plans to conduct a similar recall.
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