China orders record EV recall affecting more than 4 million cars
What's next: China plans to ban hidden door handles from Jan. 1, 2027, forcing carmakers to add mechanical releases inside and outside doors.
China has triggered its biggest-ever auto recall campaign, targeting more than 4 million vehicles over emergency door-release systems that may be hard to find or use after a crash. Tesla alone will recall 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles from Sept. 25, while Chinese brands including Xiaomi, Xpeng, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Geely, Chery and Leapmotor also filed actions with the State Administration for Market Regulation. Most fixes involve free warning labels near mechanical releases and software updates, including systems that lower windows after a collision. The sweeping move adds pressure on EV makers as Beijing tightens safety rules in the world’s biggest car market.