China's record recall of 4.3 million cars — Tesla accounts for 2.98 million

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China’s enormous recall affects nearly 4.3 million vehicles from 11 automakers.

Tesla accounts for 2.98 million cars, making it the biggest offender, Reuters says.

Warning stickers and software updates aim to make emergency escapes easier.

China ’s love affair with clever electronic door handles was already scheduled to end in 2027, but now regulators look like they’re getting impatient and have kicked off a humongous recall.

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A year before a ban on hidden handles is due to take effect, 11 automakers are recalling almost 4.3 million vehicles because occupants or rescuers could struggle to find and operate emergency mechanical releases after a crash. It’s the biggest automotive recall the country has ever seen, Reuters reports.

Related: Tesla’s Hidden Door Handle Drama Could Change Every New Car In America

Tesla has by far the biggest headache. Its recall covers 2.98 million imported and Chinese-built Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles, with the campaign scheduled to begin on September 25.

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The concern is that following a serious crash that disables electrical systems, people inside the car may need to rely on mechanical releases. If those releases aren’t obvious or easy to operate, getting out quickly could become much harder. That can be scary or even fatal when every second counts.

Tesla’s solution combines warning labels identifying the mechanical releases with an over-the-air software update, according to Reuters ’ story. The new programming will automatically lower the windows following a collision, potentially giving occupants and emergency crews another way into or out of the vehicle.

Warning Labels And Software Updates

And Tesla ’s hardly alone. Xiaomi is recalling roughly 390,000 vehicles, while Leapmotor has around 371,000 affected cars and Xpeng approximately 264,000. Geely is also involved, alongside several manufacturers with smaller campaigns. Nine of the 11 companies will reportedly add warning labels, while most are also preparing software changes.

The enormous action comes as Chinese authorities tighten their scrutiny of vehicle safety , particularly in the hyper-competitive EV market. Regulators have already decided that concealed exterior door handles have gone too far, with China prohibiting them from 2027.

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Tesla Spawned Copycats

Tesla helped make the idea fashionable, before countless rivals decided smooth doors apparently weren’t smooth enough without hiding the handles too. But the Chinese version of the new BMW iX3 has different handles to the Western version as a result of the incoming rules (bottom image).

And it’s possible the handles in our BMW s and Teslas could also change in time, because China isn’t the only country asking questions. Electronic door systems have also attracted attention from American regulators over concerns about emergency access when electrical power disappears. Earlier this year, the NHTSA granted a petition asking it to create a new safety standard that would ensure occupants could always easily exit a car even after a crash or vehicle power loss.

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BMW, Tesla