Beijing: China has launched what is being described as the country’s largest-ever automotive recall, involving around 4.3 million vehicles, after regulators raised serious safety concerns over emergency door-release systems used in a wide range of electric and new-energy vehicles. The sweeping action includes Tesla and several leading Chinese EV makers.

The recall centres on flush or concealed electronic door handles and emergency mechanical releases that may be difficult to identify or operate, particularly after a serious crash when a vehicle’s low-voltage electrical system fails. Regulators warn that the problem could delay occupants trying to escape or rescuers attempting to enter a damaged vehicle.

China orders record EV recall

Tesla models 3, Y, S and X are part of the recall

Hidden handles raise safety concerns @JyotsnaKumar13 brings you more pic.twitter.com/BByqTvxy2q

— WION (@WIONews) August 24, 2026

Tesla Bears the Biggest Share

Tesla accounts for the largest portion of the recall, with about 2.98 million Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles included. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said the affected vehicles include both locally produced and imported models. Tesla is scheduled to begin the relevant recall from September 25, 2026.

Tesla will address the issue through warning labels identifying emergency mechanical releases and over-the-air software updates designed to improve emergency response, including a strategy to automatically lower windows following certain crashes.

Xiaomi, Xpeng, Leapmotor and Geely Models Also Hit

The campaign extends well beyond Tesla. China’s official recall database lists actions involving Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Geely/Zeekr, Chery, FAW and BAIC, among others.

Xiaomi, for example, is recalling 390,435 SU7 electric cars because emergency mechanical handles can be difficult to distinguish from the surrounding interior. The company plans to add warning markings and update software controlling central unlocking and window operation.

Leapmotor is recalling nearly 371,200 C01 and C11 vehicles, while Geely’s Zeekr 007 and Zeekr X recall covers 92,658 vehicles. Chery has also announced recalls covering selected iCAR 03 and Fengyun X3 models.

Why China Is Acting Now

The recall comes amid a broader regulatory push to make vehicle emergency exits more reliable. China plans to ban concealed door handles from 2027, reflecting growing concerns that styling and aerodynamic design should not compromise emergency access.

The issue has attracted particular attention because electronic door mechanisms can depend on electrical systems that may be compromised during a severe collision. Although many vehicles have mechanical emergency releases, regulators say these can be hard to locate or operate when occupants are under stress.

China’s record recall therefore represents more than a single-component safety fix. It signals tighter scrutiny of technology-heavy EV designs, particularly where convenience, aesthetics or aerodynamics could conflict with basic emergency-safety requirements.

With millions of vehicles affected and Tesla alone accounting for nearly three million, the action could also influence how automakers worldwide design and regulate next-generation electronic door systems.