Electronic door handles trigger China's record 4.3 million vehicle recall
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Tesla and eight other automakers are recalling about 4.3 million vehicles in China over concerns that electronic door handles may be difficult to open in an emergency. The recall, announced on Friday, is China's largest-ever vehicle recall. China will ban hidden door handles from 2027, while the US and Europe are considering standards for electronic handles.
Key Facts
- Tesla and eight other automakers will recall about 4.3 million vehicles in China, the country's largest-ever vehicle recall.
- China will ban hidden door handles from 2027.
- The US and Europe are considering standards for electronic handles.
- JD Power said in 2023 that seven of the 10 most problematic models in door handle design were EVs.
Recall Details
Tesla and eight other automakers said on Friday they will recall a total of about 4.3 million vehicles in China over concerns that their doors may be difficult to open in an emergency. The recall is China's largest-ever vehicle recall. It is unclear whether Tesla plans to do a similar recall in the US or Europe.
Safety Concerns
Vehicle doors with these handles employ buttons to open them rather than a traditional mechanical system. If automakers don't have a clear manual release option for if a car loses power, it can be difficult for passengers or the driver to escape a vehicle in a life-threatening situation, said Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety. While some automakers have a relatively intuitive system in which an interior lever can be pulled twice to manually release, Tesla's manual release is either in the door pocket or under a panel, without clear signage, he said. Several lawsuits have alleged that Tesla's door-handle designs led to driver or passenger injuries or deaths after they were trapped in a vehicle while it was on fire.
Regulatory Response
China will ban hidden door handles from 2027. The US and Europe are considering standards for electronic handles. The company and auto-safety regulators in the US and Europe didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
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Electronic door handles trigger China's record 4.3 million vehicle recall
