Multiple Automakers Recall Vehicles Due to Emergency Mechanical Handle Issues

Author | Zhou Zhiyu

On August 21, the official website of the State Administration for Market Regulation centrally released multiple automotive recall announcements. Nine automakers, including Tesla, Xiaomi, XPeng, Geely, Leapmotor, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC BluePark, and FAW Group, filed recall plans, involving a total of approximately 4.276 million vehicles.

The recalls primarily concern the identification and operation of emergency mechanical handles inside vehicles. The announcements indicate that the emergency mechanical handles or cover plates in some vehicles are similar in color to the interior trim, and some locations lack clear textual prompts. In extreme situations, such as when a severe collision causes the vehicle's low-voltage system to fail, this may hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and could also increase the difficulty of external rescue efforts.

This recall involves various new energy vehicles, including the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, the Xiaomi SU7, the ZEEKR 007, and the ZEEKR X. Among these, Tesla accounts for approximately 2.976 million vehicles, while Xiaomi, Leapmotor, and XPeng involve approximately 390,000, 371,000, and 265,000 vehicles, respectively.

The corrective measures taken by each automaker vary. XPeng and FAW Group will add warning labels near the emergency mechanical handles. In addition to adding labels, Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, and Geely will use over-the-air (OTA) technology to adjust post-accident window or unlocking control strategies. Chery and BAIC BluePark will replace the emergency mechanical handle cover plates with improved versions to enhance their visibility.

These vehicles do not universally lack mechanical emergency door-opening devices. This rectification mainly addresses the issue where mechanical handles are already present but are not easily discovered or rapidly operated by occupants in emergencies. Most automakers are not reinstalling mechanical structures but are instead reducing risks through labels, cover plates, and software strategies.

Safety standards for automotive door handles are also being accelerated. In January 2026, the mandatory national standard "Safety Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handles" (GB 48001—2026) was released and will be implemented starting January 1, 2027.

According to the new national standard, each door, except for the tailgate, must be equipped with at least one mechanical release interior door handle. It should be located in an unobstructed position where the corresponding occupant can intuitively see it. In addition to some traditional forms, interior door handles must also be equipped with permanent markings. The color of the markings must contrast significantly with the background and be clearly visible in dark environments such as at night.

The standard also requires exterior door handles to have a mechanical release function. In the event of a collision or thermal incident involving the power battery, even if the vehicle's low-voltage system fails, the doors should be openable without the aid of tools. The relevant requirements will be implemented in phases. Models that have already received type approval must comply with all requirements specified in the standard starting January 1, 2029.

From this centralized recall, it is evident that the safety requirements for door handles are being implemented more rapidly: emergency mechanical handles must not only be installed inside the vehicle but also ensure that occupants can locate and use them promptly during accidents.

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