China to recall 4.3 million vehicles over door design

Nine automakers in China, including Tesla, will recall around 4.3 million vehicles over the risk that their doors could be difficult to open in an emergency.

According to Report, citing Reuters, this is the largest vehicle recall in the country's history.

Measures to address the issue include software updates, the installation of warning stickers and improved markings for emergency door handles. Most of the recalls involve mechanical emergency door-release handles that regulators believe could be difficult to locate or operate in the event of a crash.

China has stepped up vehicle safety oversight this year, particularly for electric vehicles. Authorities have also announced that hidden door handles, which became popular after Tesla introduced them and they were widely adopted by Chinese EV manufacturers, will be banned from 2027.

The issue has received additional attention following several cases in which passengers were trapped inside burning vehicles. In October, Chinese state media reported that the driver of a Xiaomi SU7 died after a crash and subsequent fire because bystanders were unable to open the vehicle"s doors.