Tesla is voluntarily recalling about 3 million vehicles in China over two separate safety issues involving electronically operated doorhandles and driver monitoring systems, according to notices from the company and China’s market regulator on Friday.
The recalls cover Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles, including some imported and China-made vehicles, according to the notices.
One recall concerns Tesla’s retractable doorhandles. The company said severe collisions can cause the vehicle’s low-voltage system to fail, potentially preventing occupants from opening the doors quickly and making it harder for rescuers to access the vehicle.
Tesla said it would “affix warning labels” to affected vehicles and issue an over-the-air software update to its window control system so that windows automatically lower after an accident is detected.
The recall covers vehicles manufactured or imported between March 4, 2019, and April 29, 2026.
Tesla’s flush doorhandle design has also been adopted by other automakers, including China’s Xiaomi and Geely. Eight other automakers issued voluntary recalls in China on Friday over similar doorhandle safety concerns, according to regulatory notices.
China has moved to tighten requirements for vehicle door-opening mechanisms following deaths apparently linked to malfunctioning or inaccessible doorhandles.
Tesla faces growing competition in China from domestic electric-vehicle makers such as BYD and Xiaomi. Tesla delivered 25,158 Model Y vehicles in China in July, down 18% from 30,766 a year earlier, according to China Passenger Car Association data.
The second Tesla recall concerns driver monitoring systems designed to ensure drivers remain attentive while using partially automated driving functions such as Autosteer.
Tesla said it would provide free over-the-air software updates and add “in-cabin camera monitoring” to some vehicles alongside steering-wheel torque sensors. The system is intended to prompt drivers to remain engaged and take over steering and braking when necessary.
For vehicles that cannot receive the update remotely, Tesla service centres will “contact relevant users” to arrange repairs, the company said.
The second recall covers China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured between March 4, 2019, and Dec. 7, 2025.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Regulators in the United States are also considering changes to vehicle door-escape requirements. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in July it would begin work on a federal rule to “mandate a robust and obvious door egress system in all motor vehicles,” according to a regulatory filing.
The recalls add to challenges for Tesla as it seeks to defend its position in China, the world’s largest auto market and a key production base for the company.
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