Nearly 3 million Teslas recalled in China over hidden door handles

Minimalistic hidden door handles have been a common feature in new electric cars The recall, which includes 2.98 million Chinese-made Teslas, follows safety concerns that the hidden door handles are difficult to locate and open in emergency situations. Other brands affected Tesla stated in a statement on Friday that it was recalling some of its Model 3, Y, S and X vehicles due to door handles that are "difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim".

This could hinder occupants or rescuers from quickly opening the doors in an emergency, such as during a "severe collision causing the vehicle's low-voltage system to fail." Tesla stated it will place warning labels on the recalled vehicles and issue a software update to automatically lower a vehicle's windows after a collision. It is not clear if the affected firms plan to make a similar recall for the rest of the world.

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Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

The BBC has contacted Tesla, XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely for comment. The use of warning labels and a software update is more of a "band-aid" than a lasting solution for the issue, he added. In February, Chinese authorities confirmed a ban on hidden door handles .

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Under new rules due to take effect on 1 January 2027, cars will only be allowed to be sold in China if they have a mechanical release on both the inside and outside of their doors. Tesla's door handles were also involved in a probe In July, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggested creating a new formal safety standard for all carmakers.

The BBC has contacted the agency for comment. The world's carmakers are struggling to compete with China Tesla cuts car models in shift to robots and AI

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

Minimalistic hidden door handles have been a common feature in new electric cars The recall, which includes 2.98 million Chinese-made Teslas, follows safety concerns that the hidden door handles are difficult to locate and open in emergency situations.

Other brands affected Tesla stated in a statement on Friday that it was recalling some of its Model 3, Y, S and X vehicles due to door handles that are "difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim".