Historic recall: 4.3 million electric cars have safety flaws in their door handles

China has begun the largest automotive recall campaign in its history, recalling about 4.3 million vehicles from 11 automakers due to safety hazards in retractable and concealed door handles. The problem occurs in serious collisions accompanied by a cut in the low-voltage power supply.

This is because the electronic door controls stop working and the mechanical emergency triggers are difficult to locate or operate, which can trap the occupants and prevent external rescue.

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Volume of vehicles and proposed

corrections

• Tesla: 2.98 million units (Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X)
• Xiaomi: 390,000 units (Model SU7)
• Leapmotor: 371,000 units
• Xpeng: 264,000 units
• Other brands affected: Zeekr, Lynk & Co and Geely

Solutions taken: application of signal labels on the mechanical levers and remote software updates (OTA) to lower the windows automatically after an impact.

Accidents and regulatory change for 2027

The inspection of the State Administration of Market Regulation of China (SAMR) has been intensified after high-profile accidents, such as the collision of a Xiaomi SU7 that caught fire while rescuers were unsuccessfully trying to open the doors from the outside.

As a response, China will make mandatory, as of January 1, 2027, a regulation that restricts the use of 100% electronic built-in door handles. The country will be the first in the world to require mechanical opening mechanisms that are easily accessible from inside and outside vehicles.

Reflections in Brazil and on the international

sceneIn the United States, the Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) is already investigating reports of failures in Tesla’s doors, although no recalls have been issued in the North American market. In Brazil, the measure attracts attention due to the presence of manufacturers mentioned in the call, such as Zeekr, Geely and Leapmotor (a partner of Stellantis). However, the announced recalls apply exclusively to units running under the jurisdiction of the Chinese market.