Massive Recall Issued in China: Over 4 Million Vehicles Across 10 Brands Affected (1 photo)

China has launched a massive recall affecting more than 4.3 million vehicles due to a design flaw in their doors: emergency mechanical release handles are too hard to locate, posing a critical safety hazard during accidents. According to automotive news outlet CnEVPost, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has registered service campaigns from Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Zeekr, Geely, Chery, Dongfeng, Arcfox, and FAW.



The widespread recall stems from emergency door release handles blending into the interior trim, making them difficult to quickly find and operate. Regulatory officials noted that in severe crashes involving low-voltage power loss, this design hinders passenger evacuation and delays first responders.

Tesla accounts for the largest share, recalling 2.97 million Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles—both locally produced and imported. The service campaign begins on September 25, 2026. The automaker will install warning decals on mechanical handles free of charge and update software to automatically roll down windows following a collision. Concurrently, Tesla recalled another 2.74 million SUVs and sedans over inadequate driver attentiveness monitoring while driver-assist features are engaged; a software update will add eye-tracking via the cabin camera alongside steering wheel force sensors.

Other automakers have also announced measures to make concealed door handles more visible. Xiaomi is recalling over 390,000 SU7 sedans to adjust central locking logic via a software update and apply high-visibility stickers to the handles.

Leapmotor will recall more than 371,000 C11 SUVs and C01 sedans, while Xpeng will begin labeling release mechanisms on nearly 265,000 G6, P7+, and X9 models starting August 22. Smaller-scale recalls affect Zeekr, Dongfeng, BAIC, FAW, and Chery, with some brands choosing to completely replace handle protective covers with redesigned components featuring printed text indicators.

The sweeping action comes after China tightened safety regulations following high-profile crashes where locked doors led to severe casualties. A new mandatory national standard introduced by regulators requires every door on passenger vehicles to feature a reliable mechanical unlock mechanism. The regulation takes effect for new models on January 1, 2027, with previously certified vehicles granted a transition period until early 2029.