Tesla recalls nearly 3M vehicles over doors that may be difficult to open after crashes

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.

Tesla’s action comes alongside recalls announced by eight other automakers, affecting a combined total of about 4.3 million vehicles in China.

Tesla’s recall is the largest, affecting approximately 2.98 million vehicles.

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.

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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.”

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.

Tesla also issued a recall addressing problems with driver-monitoring systems in certain vehicles, which are designed to help ensure drivers remain alert and ready to take control of steering or braking when necessary.

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The automaker said it would provide a software upgrade and “in-cabin camera monitoring” to help drivers remain vigilant.

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

Other automakers announcing recalls included Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely Holding.

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

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.

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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.