Nine automakers in China, including Tesla, Xiaomi, and Leapmotor, are recalling a combined 4.3 million vehicles to address concerns that emergency manual door releases are difficult to locate. The recall, announced last week, is the largest of its kind in the world’s biggest car market. The action follows reports of occupants being unable to exit vehicles during power failures or following accidents.
The recall comes as Chinese regulators increase oversight of the electric vehicle (EV) sector. In February, China announced a ban on exterior electronic door handles that lack a traditional manual mechanism, a design feature common in modern EVs. This ban is scheduled to take effect for new models starting next year. Analysts note that while Chinese automakers previously focused on aesthetics and technology, regulators are now moving toward a more assertive safety-regulation phase.
Under the terms of the recall, manufacturers will add clearer labeling to interior door-release mechanisms. They will also deploy over-the-air software updates designed to automatically lower windows during an emergency. The State Administration for Market Regulation in China did not respond to requests for comment regarding the specific regulatory triggers for this move.
The scale of the recall and the new design requirements for door handles represent a shift in who sets global automotive standards. With China serving as the primary production hub and market for companies like Tesla, industry experts such as Automobility CEO Bill Russo suggest manufacturers may adopt these safety designs globally rather than maintaining separate production standards for different regions. This could eventually change the physical design of car doors for drivers in the U.S. and Europe, even though their domestic regulators have not yet mandated similar changes.
In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently managing concerns about door releases through an ongoing rule-making process rather than a specific defect investigation. While advocacy groups like the Center for Auto Safety have noted that U.S. safety requirements can face decade-long delays, the Chinese market's new rules take effect for new models in 2027. Automakers will continue implementing the current recall fixes via software and labeling as the primary immediate step.