Tesla Embarks on Recalling 3 Million EVs Over Door Handle Risks

Tesla has begun a major safety recall in China involving nearly 3 million electric vehicles because of a potential problem with their emergency door handles. The recall affects several Tesla models and comes as the company also addresses a separate issue with driver-attention monitoring in vehicles equipped with assisted-driving features.

The recall was announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) as part of a wider campaign involving more than 4.27 million vehicles from nine automakers. Tesla vehicles account for almost 70 percent of the total vehicles included in the campaign.

The main concern with the Tesla vehicles is the design of their interior emergency mechanical door-release handles. The handles can look similar to the surrounding cabin trim, making them difficult to find quickly during an emergency.

This could become a serious safety problem after a major crash. If the vehicle’s low-voltage electrical system stops working, occupants may need to use the mechanical release to open the doors. However, if they cannot easily locate the handle, they could have difficulty getting out of the vehicle. Emergency workers could also face challenges when trying to reach passengers trapped inside.

Tesla is expected to begin the recall on September 25. The company will place warning labels near the affected door handles at no cost to vehicle owners. It will also introduce a software update that changes the way the vehicle’s windows operate after serious collisions. The system will allow the windows to lower automatically, potentially making it easier for people to escape and for rescuers to access the vehicle.

The recall covers a large number of China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. It also includes smaller numbers of imported Model 3, Model X and Model S vehicles. In total, the door-handle-related recall covers close to 3 million vehicles.

At the same time, Tesla is dealing with another safety concern involving its driver-monitoring technology. About 2.74 million China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles are affected by this separate issue.

The driver-monitoring system may fail to warn motorists when they look away from the road while using certain assisted-driving functions. Tesla plans to fix the problem through free over-the-air software updates and improvements to its cabin camera monitoring system.

The updated system will provide stronger warnings to remind drivers to stay focused and remain responsible for controlling their vehicles. Most affected vehicles should be able to receive the software update remotely, meaning owners will not need to visit a Tesla service center.

The recalls highlight the growing importance of safety systems as electric vehicles become more advanced. While software can improve vehicle performance and safety, problems involving emergency access and driver attention can have serious consequences. Tesla’s latest actions show the company is responding to concerns affecting millions of vehicles in one of its most important markets.

For firms like Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: RIVN) that haven’t made their entry into the Chinese auto market, the new rules addressing door handle risks present a technical and safety issue to address since other countries could soon adopt similar rules.

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