China orders Tesla recall over concealed door handle defect

Chinese authorities have ordered Tesla to recall approximately 2.96 million vehicles due to a defect in their concealed door handle mechanisms, according to regulatory filings from the country's quality supervision authority.

The recall affects multiple Tesla models sold in the Chinese market, with the hidden door handles presenting a potential safety concern for drivers and passengers attempting to exit vehicles. The issue has prompted a broader inspection of similar systems across the automotive sector.

Beyond Tesla, Chinese regulators have identified comparable problems affecting domestic manufacturers including XPeng, Xiaomi's automotive division, and Geely. The prevalence of the defect across multiple brands suggests the issue may be linked to component design or manufacturing standards rather than isolated technical failures.

China has become increasingly rigorous in enforcing vehicle safety standards as the world's largest electric vehicle market expands rapidly. The recall underscores heightened regulatory scrutiny of emerging automotive technologies and design features as manufacturers compete to differentiate their vehicles in a crowded marketplace.

The affected companies are expected to develop remediation plans and notify owners of the recalled vehicles through official channels.