KATHMANDU : Several major automakers have announced large-scale recalls in China over concerns that emergency mechanical door handles inside their vehicles are difficult to identify and operate, according to global media reports.
The recalls involve brands including Tesla, BYD, Geely, Leapmotor, Chery, Xiaomi, Xpeng, Hongqi, BAIC and Dongfeng. The issue mainly affects vehicles where the emergency door release handle has a similar color to the surrounding interior trim.
In an emergency, particularly after a low-voltage system failure, occupants may struggle to locate the mechanical release. This could make it difficult to open the doors and escape the vehicle.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said the automakers have filed recall plans under the country’s vehicle defect recall regulations.
Tesla accounts for most vehicles
Tesla has the largest recall in the latest campaign. The company is recalling 2,975,910 China-made Model 3 and Model X vehicles.
It is also recalling 46,041 imported Model 3, Model X and Model S vehicles.
Other major recalls include models from Leapmotor, Xiaomi, Xpeng, Chery, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Dongfeng, BAIC BluePark, Geely and Hongqi. As part of the recall, manufacturers will add warning labels to make the emergency mechanical handles easier to identify. Most affected vehicles will also receive an OTA software update that can add a function to lower the windows after an accident.
China has already introduced stricter requirements for vehicle door handles. The new Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handle Safety standard is scheduled to take effect in January 2027.
Under the new rules, every door must have an external handle with a mechanical release function. Interior emergency handles must also be clearly visible and easy to identify.
The latest recalls come before the new standard takes effect and reflect China’s growing focus on emergency escape systems in modern vehicles.
The issue has received additional attention following a fatal Xiaomi SU7 crash in which three university students reportedly died after being unable to locate the emergency door releases inside the vehicle.
