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Tesla’s Door Handles Lead to Its Biggest Recall Yet
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- DeepHorus
Tesla is facing its largest recall ever in China, affecting over 2.9 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured between 2019 and 2026. The recall, announced by China's State Administration for Market Regulation on Friday, centers on safety concerns with the company's electronic, retractable door handles. Regulators in both the U.S. and China have investigated reports that these handles, a distinctive design feature, can hinder passenger egress and impede rescue efforts in emergencies.
The primary issue arises when the vehicles' low-voltage batteries fail, which power accessories like the electronically operated door handles. In such cases, passengers may struggle to locate and operate the mechanical backup handles. To address this, the recall involves two main remedies: an over-the-air software update for some vehicles to lower windows after collisions, and the installation of new warning stickers to help users find the emergency mechanical handles.
This action in China is part of a broader regulatory move. Concurrently, the government recalled over 1 million vehicles from eight other Chinese automakers, including Xiaomi and Xpeng, for similar concerns with flush door handles. Additionally, nearly 50,000 imported Tesla models are being recalled for issues with their assisted steering technology, which some vehicles will fix via software updates while others need new driver-monitoring cameras.
The recalls highlight China's proactive stance on regulating new automotive technologies. The country has already implemented rules that will soon ban fully retractable door handles and has a history of early regulation in areas like autonomous driving and vehicle data. This regulatory pressure is now spreading, with reports indicating that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also examining potential new rules for door handle design.
The situation underscores the growing scrutiny facing advanced automotive features. While innovative designs like Tesla's door handles offer aesthetic and functional benefits, they introduce new failure modes that can have serious safety implications. The recalls serve as a critical reminder that as vehicles become more software-dependent, regulators worldwide are paying closer attention to the interplay between technology and fundamental occupant protection.
