Tesla Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles Over Door Handle Safety Concerns in China

Tesla is recalling approximately 2.98 million vehicles in China due to safety concerns with its retractable door handles, which have become a signature design feature. The recall is part of a larger safety campaign involving about 4.3 million vehicles from Tesla and eight other manufacturers, including Xiaomi, XPeng, Leapmotor, and Geely. The issue arises in severe accidents where the vehicle's electrical system may fail, making it difficult for passengers or rescuers to locate and operate the emergency door release mechanism. Tesla noted that in some models, the door handles blend with the interior door panel color, complicating their identification during emergencies.

The recall affects Tesla models Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Solutions include adding clearer stickers and markings on the door handles and implementing remote software updates. Tesla's software update will enable automatic window lowering after a crash to provide an alternative escape route. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also reviewing stricter safety requirements for door opening systems in case of electrical failure, though no similar recall has been announced in the U.S. yet.

This recall serves as a warning for Israeli drivers as well, since the retractable door handle design is common on roads in Israel. While it offers a sleek and modern look, it may pose risks if the vehicle loses power when quick door access is critical.