Over 4.27 Million EVs Recalled in China Over Hidden Door Handle Safety Concerns

Nine automakers in China are recalling more than 4.27 million vehicles due to safety concerns surrounding hidden and electronically actuated door handles, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation.

The recall targets a common issue across multiple brands: the emergency mechanical release handle inside the vehicle blends too closely with surrounding interior trim, making it difficult to identify and operate in critical situations. In the event of a severe collision that disables the vehicle's low-voltage electrical system, occupants and external rescuers could face delayed or blocked egress.

Tesla accounted for the largest share of the recall, with over 2.97 million vehicles affected — roughly 69 percent of the total. Affected Tesla models include the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.

The other eight automakers filing recall records for the same issue are Leapmotor, XPENG, Geely, Chery, BAIC Bluepark-Magnec, Dongfeng, Xiaomi Auto, and FAW.

Specific recalls already detailed include Chery's recall of 68,488 iCAR 03 and Fengyun X3 units, and Leapmotor's recall of 322,575 C11 and C01 vehicles — both citing the same hard-to-identify emergency latch problem.

Hidden door handles have become widespread on new-energy vehicles since Tesla popularized the design. The flush-mounted mechanism reduces aerodynamic drag and gives EVs a sleeker profile, but as the installed parc has grown, so has scrutiny of how these handles perform in crash scenarios.

A new mandatory national standard, the Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handle Safety, takes effect on January 1, 2027. It requires every door — excluding tailgates — to be fitted with both an external mechanical release handle and an internal mechanical release handle, ensuring the door can be opened even when electrical systems fail.

Some newer models, including the AITO M9, Li Auto L9, and Xiaomi's next-generation SU7, have already been designed to meet the upcoming standard. The current wave of recalls addresses existing vehicles through retrofit safety improvements.

Industry observers note the recalls reflect maturing safety standards as the NEV sector moves into large-scale production, rather than a decline in overall vehicle safety.