Tesla Recalls Nearly Three Million Cars in China
US Electric Car Maker's Largest Recall in Key Market
Tesla is recalling nearly three million vehicles in China. The reason involves safety concerns with the mechanical door emergency releases. According to the Chinese market regulator, these releases can be difficult for occupants to locate after a serious accident or power failure.
Several Tesla Models Affected
Approximately 2.98 million vehicles are impacted by the recall. This includes China-produced Model 3 and Model Y, as well as imported Model 3, Model X, and Model S. The campaign is scheduled to begin on September 25, 2026.
Tesla plans to add additional warning labels to the mechanical door releases. Furthermore, a software update will adjust window control. After an accident, windows should automatically lower, making it easier for occupants to exit or for rescue.
Separate Recall for Driver Monitoring
In parallel, a second recall in China affects about 2.74 million China-produced Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. This recall addresses driver attention monitoring when using driver assistance features.
Tesla intends to resolve this issue through an over-the-air software update as well. The update will increase the use of the interior camera for monitoring driver attention.
Largest Tesla Recall in China
The recall of nearly three million vehicles represents Tesla's largest recall measure in China to date. It occurs as Chinese authorities intensify safety requirements for vehicle manufacturers.
The design of flush or hard-to-find door handles is increasingly under scrutiny. In an accident, an electrical system failure can make occupants reliant on the mechanical emergency release.
China Remains Important Tesla Market
China is one of Tesla's most important global markets. The company operates a large production facility in Shanghai, manufacturing vehicles for the Chinese market and for export.
These recalls also happen during a period of intense competition for Tesla in China from domestic electric car manufacturers. Therefore, the current measures will likely be observed closely, not only from a safety perspective but also economically.
Tesla must now demonstrate that these technical issues can be resolved quickly and reliably. For affected vehicle owners, the measures are intended to be implemented without a traditional workshop visit, provided the recall can be addressed via software.
