Tesla announced Friday that it is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China over concerns that doors may be difficult to open in an emergency, marking the largest automotive recall in the country's history.

Largest recall in China's history

Tesla's recall is the largest of the actions announced, affecting approximately 2.98 million vehicles. It comes alongside recalls announced by eight other automakers — including Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely Holding — affecting a combined total of about 4.3 million vehicles in China.

The U.S. automaker said the recall covers imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles, according to notices filed with China's State Administration for Market Regulation. The scale of the action reflects Tesla's deep footprint in the country, its second-largest market after the United States: Gigafactory Shanghai, Tesla's first factory outside the U.S. and its largest by output, builds the Model 3 and Model Y for domestic sale and export, while the Model S and Model X sold there are imported.

According to one of the recall notices, Tesla's electronically operated, retractable door handles could become difficult to operate after a severe collision if the vehicle's low-voltage system fails. The company said the resulting problem "could hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and impede rescue efforts by those outside the vehicle, posing a safety hazard."

The technology has faced growing scrutiny in China. Flush, electronically operated door handles have spread across newer electric vehicles there, and their behavior in emergencies drew intense attention after a fatal October 2025 crash involving a Xiaomi YU7 SUV, in which the vehicle caught fire after a highway collision and its doors could not be opened. Chinese regulators have since issued new national standards requiring backup opening mechanisms so doors can be opened even if electronic systems fail.

To address the issue, Tesla said it would "affix warning labels" to affected vehicles and remotely upgrade its window-control software so the windows automatically lower following an accident. Under both Chinese and U.S. rules, safety fixes delivered through over-the-air software updates are still formally handled as recalls.

Second recall covers driver-monitoring systems

Tesla also issued a recall addressing problems with driver-monitoring systems in certain vehicles. These systems are designed to help ensure drivers remain alert and ready to take control of steering or braking when necessary. The automaker said it would provide a software upgrade and "in-cabin camera monitoring" to help drivers remain vigilant.

Driver-monitoring safeguards have also drawn scrutiny in the United States. In December 2023, Tesla recalled more than 2 million vehicles there to strengthen Autopilot, its driver-assistance system, adding alerts and greater reliance on the cabin camera to confirm driver attention.

Tesla said it will contact owners of vehicles that cannot receive the fixes through remote software updates to schedule service appointments.

No similar U.S. recalls disclosed

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday that the automakers have not disclosed plans to issue similar recalls in the United States.

The announcement comes after Tesla issued two recalls in May. The automaker recalled roughly 175 Cybertrucks over concerns that wheel studs could separate, potentially causing wheels to detach. Tesla also recalled more than 218,000 Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles because of delayed rearview camera images that could increase the risk of a crash.

FOX Business has reached out to Tesla for comment. Reuters contributed to this report.

Source: Fox Business