Tesla is launching a massive recall in China.
Bloomberg reported that Tesla is recalling approximately 3 million vehicles after China's State Administration for Market Regulation pointed out safety issues with the electric vehicle's flush door handles.
The recall is scheduled to begin on September 25, covering a total of approximately 2.975 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles either produced in or imported into China.
Through this recall, Tesla plans to add software that automatically lowers the windows after an accident and attach labels indicating the location of the emergency manual door release mechanisms.
For most vehicles, the issue will be resolved via over-the-air (OTA) software updates without requiring a visit to a service center.
The issue in question involves the emergency door release mechanisms used in the event of an accident.
Tesla vehicles are currently equipped with flush electronic handles, which may fail to operate if power is cut off during a severe collision.
While there is a mechanical emergency release mechanism for such situations, critics have pointed out that it is difficult for passengers to locate in urgent circumstances.
In fact, in the United States, there have been successive cases where doors failed to open following Tesla vehicle crashes, causing difficulties for passengers and rescue workers.
Bloomberg reported that at least 15 people are known to have died in accidents involving post-collision fires where doors could not be opened.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also investigating Tesla's door release issues.
Tesla previously announced last year that it would change the design of its door release mechanisms.
China has ordered a total of nine companies, including Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, and XPeng, to recall 4.27 million vehicles over door handle issues.
This marks the largest-ever automotive recall in China over the same quality issue.
Vehicles sold in South Korea are not included in this recall, but since they use the same door release structure, similar measures could potentially be implemented in South Korea as well.
Reported by Sim Yeong-gu | Edited by Na Hong-hee | Designed by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
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