Tesla Recalls Nearly 3 Million Cars in China Over Hidden Door Releases
Tesla recalls nearly 3 million China vehicles as 11 carmakers add labels and software updates to expose hidden emergency door releases after safety concerns.
Summary
Reuters reported on August 21, 2026, that Tesla is recalling just under 3 million vehicles in China, part of recalls by 11 carmakers addressing emergency door releases that can trap occupants after crashes or fires. Nine manufacturers, including Tesla, Xiaomi, Xpeng, and the Geely brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co., will add labels identifying the releases, while all 11 will issue software updates. Electronic latches enable smartphone or NFC card access but can fail in collisions, leaving occupants reliant on manual handles often concealed in unexpected locations or behind panels.
After a two year review, China said in February 2026 that hidden, electronically actuated exterior handles will be banned from 2027. The top U.S. automotive safety regulator opened a Tesla latch investigation in late 2025 after Bloomberg reporting and is considering new requirements, while an unnamed lawmaker proposed releases that are intuitive and readily accessible. Rivian customers and employees criticized the R1 release, which requires removing a panel and pulling a cord, prompting a more accessible location on the cheaper R2 launched in 2026. Ford briefly stopped 2025 Mustang Mach-E sales and recalled vehicles over latch failure risks after power loss. Tesla, which popularized flush handles and electronic latches, says it is redesigning its handles.
Positives
- Nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles in China will receive warning labels identifying emergency door releases and software updates.
- All 11 affected carmakers will issue software updates, while nine will also install emergency release labels.
- China will ban hidden, electronically actuated exterior door handles from 2027 following a two year review.
- Rivian moved the manual release to a more accessible location on the cheaper R2 launched in 2026.
- Tesla says it is redesigning the flush door handles and electronic latch systems it helped popularize.
Risks & concerns
- Hidden emergency releases can trap vehicle occupants when electronic latches fail during crashes or fires.
- Eleven carmakers require recalls, showing the door release problem extends beyond Tesla to Xiaomi, Xpeng, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co.
- Rivian’s R1 requires passengers to remove a panel and pull a cord to operate the manual release.
- Ford briefly stopped Mustang Mach-E sales in 2025 and recalled vehicles because power loss could impair electronic latches.
- The top U.S. automotive safety regulator opened a Tesla latch investigation in late 2025 and may revise safety requirements.