China announced a massive recall of electric vehicles from Tesla, Xiaomi and other brands

Chinese automakers and Tesla are simultaneously recalling more than 4.27 million electric vehicles due to problems with emergency door opening. The campaign covers Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Zeekr, Chery and other brands. This is the largest vehicle recall in the history of China.

A series of recall campaigns was registered on August 21 by the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC (SAMR). According to the regulator, a total of 4,275,743 vehicles are being recalled due to emergency door opening problems.

The main reason is practically the same across all manufacturers. The mechanical emergency door opening handle inside the vehicle is poorly distinguished in color from interior elements, making it hard to quickly find and use.

The problem becomes critical in a serious accident, when the low-voltage electrical system of the car fails. In such cases, the normal electronic door opening mechanism may stop working, and the driver, passengers or rescuers must use the mechanical emergency actuator.

Almost 3 million vehicles are from Tesla

The largest single campaign concerns Tesla. The company is recalling 2,975,910 vehicles produced in China and imported from abroad.

The list includes 973,156 China-made Model 3 and 1,956,713 Model Y. In addition, the recall affects 35,590 imported Model 3, 8,328 Model X and 2,123 Model S.

To remedy the risk, Tesla will apply additional warning markings near the mechanical handles. The company will also remotely update the vehicle software: after a serious accident, the system will automatically lower the windows to facilitate evacuation.

The recall of these Tesla vehicles will begin on September 25.

Xiaomi recalls almost 400,000 SU7

The second major campaign concerns Xiaomi SU7. The manufacturer is recalling a total of 390,435 electric vehicles from the 2024 model year.

Of these, 339,069 cars were produced from August 2024 to March 2026, and another 51,366 from December 2023 to August 2024.

Xiaomi will add markings near the mechanical handles and also remotely change the central locking and window lowering algorithm after an accident.

Another 371,200 vehicles will be recalled by Leapmotor. The campaign covers 48,625 C01 sedans and 322,575 C11 crossovers. The manufacturer will also apply warning markings and update the window lifter control system.

Which vehicles are included in the mass recall

Xpeng is recalling G6, P7+ and X9 models. Their combined number reaches 264,842 vehicles. In most cases, owners will only need to get additional marking for the emergency handle.

Zeekr is recalling 92,658 vehicles of 007 and X models. In addition to marking, the manufacturer will update the window lifter software so that windows open automatically after a severe accident.

The campaign also includes 68,488 Chery iCAR 03 and Fulwin X3 vehicles, 53,452 Dongfeng vehicles including Nammi 06, Aeolus L8, eπ007 and eπ008, as well as 46,850 Arcfox Kaola electric vehicles and 11,908 FAW EH7 and Tiangong 08 models.

Depending on the manufacturer, the issue will be resolved through remote software updates, more visible markings near emergency handles or replacement of individual door opening mechanism parts. All work for owners will be free of charge.

At the same time, Tesla registered another separate recall campaign in China, covering 2.74 million Model 3 and Model Y. It is not related to door handles, but to insufficient driver attention monitoring when using the assisted driving system. These vehicles are not added to the 4.27 million figure, as a significant portion of vehicles are part of both campaigns.