China recalls 4.3 million vehicles over hidden door handle safety risks

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has announced a massive recall of approximately 4.3 million vehicles due to safety concerns regarding hidden door handle designs. The recall affects nine major brands, with Tesla-manufactured vehicles in China accounting for the largest portion, totaling roughly 2.98 million units. Other affected manufacturers include Xpeng, Xiaomi, Geely (Zeekr and Lynk & Co), Leapmotor, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng, and FAW Group (Hongqi).

The issue stems from the fact that many electric vehicles use electronic mechanisms to deploy door handles from the car's body. In the event of a severe collision that disables the vehicle's low-voltage electrical system, passengers or rescuers may struggle to open the doors. This safety risk gained significant attention following fatal accidents involving Xiaomi electric vehicles, where victims reportedly became trapped in burning cars because the electronic handles failed or emergency release mechanisms were difficult to locate.

To address these risks, the recall measures include applying high-visibility warning labels and implementing software updates that automatically lower windows following a collision. Furthermore, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued new regulations requiring vehicles to feature mechanical door-opening mechanisms both inside and outside. These rules will take effect on January 1, 2027, with a grace period for certain approved models extending to January 2029.