In brief
Chinese regulators are recalling over four million vehicles, mostly Teslas, because of hidden door handles that can fail in emergencies. The issue has prompted new safety rules, including mandatory mechanical releases for doors. Other brands like Xiaomi and XPeng are also affected. In the US and Europe, safety agencies are reviewing similar requirements. Industry experts argue design changes still fall short of guaranteeing rescue access.
China has announced the biggest ever vehicle recall, targeting more than four million cars – the bulk of which are Tesla models – because of hidden door handles that may fail in emergencies.
Hidden handles have become a hallmark of sleek electric‑car design, but they can be difficult to locate and, when power is lost, can leave occupants trapped. Chinese regulators will take effect on 1 January 2027 to require cars to have a mechanical release both inside and outside each door and interior signage to show how to open them.
The recall also covers other domestic manufacturers. Xiaomi, XPeng and Geely will recall a combined 750,000 vehicles. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is examining whether to mandate emergency‑exit systems. European regulators have drafted standards to keep doors operable if power is cut off.
Industry analysts say the remedial measures are inadequate, arguing that a mechanical escape route is essential in a crash and that warning labels may not be read in panic.
Legal cases already exist, including a lawsuit in California over a Cybertruck crash that left three college students trapped. Tesla denied wrongdoing, citing compliance with U.S. safety standards. Whether similar recalls will spread beyond China remains uncertain.
As the global automotive market continues to shift toward EVs, the debate highlights the need for safety features that remain reliable under all conditions.
