Tesla is set to implement a significant recall of approximately 2.98 million vehicles in China, including models such as the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. This decision stems from concerns about inadequate emergency door unlocking systems, which the company is addressing starting September 25, 2026. The recall has been mandated by China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), which has also announced that a total of 4.3 million vehicles across various brands will be affected, including those from Xiaomi, Leapmotor, and Xpeng.
The main issue involves the emergency door releases that may be hard to locate during critical situations, potentially jeopardizing the safety of occupants in life-threatening scenarios such as fires. As the recall presses forward in China, European authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.
Key Points
- The recall impacts nearly 2.98 million Tesla vehicles in China, including Models 3, Y, S, and X.
- China's total recall extends to 4.3 million vehicles across multiple brands due to similar safety concerns.
- The focus is on improving emergency door releases, critical for occupant safety during emergencies.
- In Europe, the Dutch type-approval authority, RDW, is monitoring the situation without any current recalls, despite an ongoing investigation by the KBA.
- The KBA investigation was initiated following a fatal incident involving Tesla vehicles, prompting increased scrutiny of door opening mechanisms.
This recall marks one of Tesla's largest in recent history, reflecting growing regulatory pressures from both Chinese and European authorities amid safety concerns in the electric vehicle market.
