Tesla Recalls 3 Million Cars in China

Tesla is recalling just under 3 million vehicles in China because the emergency mechanical door releases can be hard to find or operate after a crash.

The company told China's State Administration for Market Regulation it will recall 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles starting September 25, according to the regulator's statement.

Tesla is one of 11 carmakers that launched recalls and software updates in China on Friday — the country's largest-ever automotive recall campaign, according to Reuters.

What Tesla Says Is Wrong

In its filing to the regulator, Tesla said the mechanical emergency door-release handles may be difficult to identify after a severe collision and an electrical system failure, potentially hindering occupants' escape or rescuers' access.

The fix has two parts: free warning labels that show occupants where the manual release is, and an over-the-air software update that automatically lowers the vehicle's windows after a collision.

Nine of the 11 automakers, Tesla and Xiaomi among them, will install the warning labels free of charge. All 11 will push software updates, TechCrunch reported.

Electronic latches let owners open a car with a phone or a tap card, but they can fail in a collision. Automakers that use them typically add a manual backup handle — often tucked into an unexpected spot or hidden behind a door panel.