Tesla recalls nearly 3 million vehicles in China over door handle safety
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Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China after regulators demanded fixes for door handles that can trap occupants in emergencies. The recall covers software updates, clearer emergency release markings, and automatic window opening in crashes.
Key Facts
- Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China due to door handles that cannot be opened from outside in emergencies.
- The recall follows fatal accidents in Germany in 2022 and 2025 where occupants burned alive after the emergency system failed.
- Chinese officials ordered Tesla to prioritize safety over futuristic design.
- The recall includes clearer markings for mechanical emergency handles, software updates, and automatic window opening during crashes.
Recall Scope
Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in the Chinese market. The recall addresses door handles that retract into the body and cannot be opened from outside in an emergency. The company will add clearer markings for mechanical emergency release handles inside the doors. Tesla will also update software and enable automatic window opening during a crash.
Safety Incidents
Fatal accidents in Germany in 2022 and 2025 involved occupants trapped inside burning vehicles after the emergency system failed. Chinese officials responded to similar tragedies by demanding that Tesla prioritize safety over futuristic design. Beijing's directive led to the recall of approximately 3 million vehicles in China.
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Tesla recalls nearly 3 million vehicles in China over door handle safety



