Tesla and Eight Automakers Recall 4.27 Million EVs in China

Tesla Inc. and eight other electric vehicle manufacturers are recalling approximately 4.27 million vehicles in China due to safety flaws in electrically controlled door handles. Tesla Inc. is the most heavily impacted, recalling nearly 3 million vehicles. The State Administration for Market Regulation warned that these handles can fail during crashes, which could hinder occupants from escaping and impede rescue efforts. These failures have been linked to at least 15 deaths in Tesla vehicles.

To address the safety risk, Tesla will implement software updates to automatically lower windows after accidents and add warning labels for emergency releases. Other significant recalls include 390,435 SU7 sedans from Xiaomi Corp. and 371,200 vehicles from Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co. Ltd. Separately, Tesla recalled an additional 2.7 million vehicles in China to improve driver-assistance monitoring.

This regulatory action follows a recent Chinese ban on concealed door handles for electric vehicles. The crackdown coincides with similar safety probes and proposed legislation in the United States, where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla Model Y vehicles following complaints of occupant entrapment.