Tesla announced a massive recall of approximately 3 million vehicles in China, triggered by a significant concern: doors may not open in emergency situations. This measure represents the automaker’s largest recall campaign in the Asian country, highlighting safety challenges in one of its main global markets.
Details of Tesla’s biggest recall campaign in China
The American company’s recall campaign is the most comprehensive ever seen for the brand in China, affecting around 2.98 million units. The models included in the recall are the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X, which were both imported and manufactured locally.
According to communications sent to the Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation, the problem lies in the retractable electronic door handles. In cases of serious collisions, if the vehicle’s low voltage system is compromised, these door handles may fail. Such a failure would represent a considerable risk, as it would prevent the occupants from quickly egressing and hinder rescue efforts by people outside the car.
More on this story: Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles due to door problems
Correction measures proposed by the manufacturer
To mitigate the risk, Tesla said it will apply “warning labels” to affected vehicles. Additionally, a remote update to the window control software will be implemented, ensuring that they automatically lower after an impact. This solution, which combines visual warnings and a digital fix, raises discussions about the effectiveness of software fixes for problems that can have direct physical implications for safety in extreme situations.
The vehicle manufacturer explained that it will contact owners of cars that cannot be fixed through remote software updates. In these cases, in-person service visits will be scheduled to ensure the issue is resolved.
Context of recalls: other automakers and global scenario
Tesla’s recall does not occur in isolation in the dynamic Chinese automotive market. The measure comes amid recall announcements from eight other automakers, which together account for approximately 4.3 million affected vehicles in China. Among the companies that also called for recalls are Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely Holding. This panorama suggests an intensification of inspection and concern about vehicle safety by Chinese regulatory authorities.
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In contrast to the situation in China, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that automotive companies have not presented plans to carry out similar recalls in the United States. This difference could indicate variations in regulations, safety priorities or fault identification between the world’s two largest automobile markets.
Recent Tesla recall history
This recent recall campaign in China adds to a series of other recalls that Tesla has been carrying out in recent months. The automaker has demonstrated a frequency of adjustments and corrections to its vehicles.
- One of them covered around 175 units of the Cybertruck pickup truck, due to the risk of wheel bolts loosening, which could result in them detaching while driving.
- Another recall campaign involved more than 218,000 model 3, Y, S and X vehicles. The reason was a delay in the images displayed by the reversing camera, a factor that could increase the risk of collisions when maneuvering.
In parallel with these actions, Tesla also carried out a recall to correct flaws in the driver monitoring systems in certain cars. These systems are designed to ensure drivers remain alert and prepared to control steering or braking. To assist with this monitoring, the company announced the availability of a software update that includes “cabin camera monitoring”.