Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China as part of a large-scale safety campaign addressing hidden emergency door releases. This effort involves 11 automakers, including Tesla, Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely's Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands, all of whom will install new warning labels to make manual door releases more visible to occupants. These recalls also include software updates aimed at addressing potential failures of electronic door latches during emergencies such as crashes or fires.

The issue stems from the increasing use of electronic door latches, which Tesla helped popularize, allowing drivers to unlock doors using smartphones or NFC cards. While these electronic systems offer convenience, they can malfunction in critical moments, leaving passengers trapped unless they can find the manual release. These manual releases, however, are frequently hidden behind panels or in unusual locations, making them difficult to locate in an emergency.

China's push to address this safety concern follows a two-year review that led to a ban on concealed electronically controlled exterior door handles starting in 2027. This regulatory stance reflects growing global scrutiny, as safety authorities in the United States have also launched investigations into Tesla’s door handle design and may introduce new rules to require more accessible emergency door releases. Lawmakers have proposed legislation mandating that manual door releases be intuitive and easy for occupants to use.

Other automakers have faced similar challenges; for example, Ford recalled its Mustang Mach-E in 2025 due to concerns about electronic door latch failures during power loss. Rivian adjusted its manual door release design last year after customer feedback highlighted its complexity. Tesla has acknowledged the issue and announced plans to redesign its door handles for improved safety in future models. This recall highlights an industry-wide move towards balancing modern convenience with essential emergency safety features.