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China orders massive recall of 4.3 million vehicles over door handle safety
China has initiated its largest-ever automotive recall, involving approximately 4.3 million vehicles from nine different manufacturers. The recall, ordered by the State Administration for Market Regulation, focuses on safety concerns regarding flush or retractable electronic door handles. These minimalist designs, popular in electric vehicles (EVs), can be difficult for occupants to locate or operate during emergencies, particularly if a collision causes a loss of electrical power.
Tesla is the most heavily affected manufacturer, with roughly 2.98 million vehicles—primarily China-built Model 3 and Model Y units—subject to the recall. To address the issue, Tesla will provide free warning labels to assist in locating manual releases and will deploy an over-the-air software update designed to automatically lower windows following a detected collision. Other manufacturers involved in the recall include Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Geely, and Chery.
The move follows a February announcement by Chinese authorities to ban exterior electronic handles that lack a traditional manual mechanism for new models starting next year. While the recall is specific to the Chinese market, regulators in the UK and Europe are currently reviewing safety standards related to similar door handle designs, though no active recalls have been issued in those regions for this specific issue.
Entities
Chery · China · Geely · Leapmotor · Ministry of Industry and Information Technology · State Administration for Market Regulation · Tesla · Xiaomi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There are currently no active DVSA recalls in the UK relating to hidden door handles. www.gbnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tesla will provide an over-the-air software update to automatically lower windows after a collision is detected. cryptobriefing.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Xiaomi's SU7 model features mechanical emergency release handles at the bottom of each door. www.bbc.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] China will ban exterior electronic handles without a traditional manual mechanism for new models starting next year. carroscomcamanzi.com.br · srnnews.com · www.gbnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Tesla is responsible for approximately 2.98 million of the recalled vehicles. cryptobriefing.com · www.gbnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nine automakers must recall approximately 4.3 million vehicles in China due to safety defects. cryptobriefing.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tesla will install free warning labels to help occupants locate the emergency door release mechanism. cryptobriefing.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The recall is scheduled to take effect on September 25, 2026. cryptobriefing.com