Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China over two safety issues involving electronic doorhandles and driver monitoring systems. The recalls cover several Tesla models built in China and some imported vehicles.
Tesla Recalls Vehicles Over Two Safety Issues
One recall involves retractable electronic doorhandles that could fail after a severe collision if the vehicle’s low-voltage system loses power. Tesla said the issue could make it harder for occupants to open the doors and for rescuers to reach people inside the vehicle.
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According to recall notices published Friday by Tesla and China’s market regulator, affected vehicles will receive warning labels and an over-the-air software update. The update will automatically lower the windows after a collision is detected, while the recall covers Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles built between March 4, 2019, and April 29, 2026.
Doorhandle Design Faces Regulatory Scrutiny
Flush doorhandles, a design Tesla helped popularize, have come under greater scrutiny in China following incidents involving vehicles whose doors could not be opened after crashes. Nine automakers, including Tesla, Xiaomi and Geely, announced recalls in China on Friday related to doorhandle problems.
Regulators in the U.S. are also reviewing vehicle door access systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in July that it had begun work on a federal rule requiring a “robust and obvious door egress system” in motor vehicles.
Tesla is also facing stronger competition in China from domestic electric vehicle makers such as BYD and Xiaomi. China Passenger Car Association data show that Tesla delivered 25,158 Model Y vehicles in China in July, down 18% from 30,766 a year earlier.
Driver Monitoring Systems Also Affected
A separate recall covers driver monitoring systems used with partially automated features such as Autosteer. Tesla said some systems may not adequately ensure that drivers remain attentive and ready to take control when needed.
For affected vehicles, Tesla will provide free over-the-air software updates and add cabin-camera monitoring alongside steering-wheel torque sensors. Vehicles that cannot receive the update remotely will be repaired through Tesla service centers.
China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured between March 4, 2019, and December 7, 2025, are covered by the second recall.
