The recall decision, including 2.98 million Chinese-made and imported Teslas, was taken on the grounds that it was difficult to detect and open door handles in emergency situations. Chinese automotive manufacturers such as XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely were also affected by the process.
According to the news from BBC, the recessed door handle design popularized by Tesla is integrated into the vehicle body and extends outwards when the driver approaches.
However, after two fatal accidents involving Xiaomi brand vehicles, where it was suspected that the doors could not be opened due to electrical malfunction, this design was taken into safety review.
In the statement made by Tesla on the subject; It was stated that Model 3, Y, S and X vehicles were recalled because the door handles were “difficult to notice and operate” due to their close color to the interior trim.
The company said this could prevent vehicle occupants or rescue teams from quickly opening the doors in situations such as the low voltage system being disabled in the event of an accident.
Tesla said it would place warning labels on affected vehicles and release a software update that automatically lowers windows after a collision.
It is not yet known whether the affected companies are planning a similar recall for the rest of the world.
CHINA ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD BANK HIDDEN DOOR HANDLES
Sino Auto Insights founder Tu Le stated that the use of hidden door handles has grown like a snowball since 2014, with Chinese brands rapidly copying the stylish appearance of the Tesla Model S. Warning labels and software updates are a “temporary measure” rather than a permanent solution, Le added.
Chinese authorities announced in February that they would ban hidden door handles. According to the new rules that will come into force on January 1, 2027, vehicles sold in China will be required to have a mechanical opening mechanism on both the interior and exterior doors.
Tesla’s door handles have also come under scrutiny from US safety regulators after reports that they suddenly stopped working and children were trapped inside the vehicle.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed creating a new official safety standard for all automakers in July.
