Tesla is participating in a coordinated Chinese recall involving nearly 3 million vehicles across 11 automakers to improve safety labelling and accessibility of hidden emergency door releases. The issue has emerged as automakers increasingly rely on electronic door latches for convenience and smartphone integration, but these systems can malfunction during crashes or power loss, leaving manual backup releases as the only way to escape. Manufacturers typically hide these manual handles inside door panels or in obscure locations, creating a genuine hazard during emergencies.

The recalls reflect growing regulatory scrutiny on multiple fronts. China's government has announced plans to ban concealed electronic door handles entirely by 2027, signalling a shift toward prioritising occupant safety over design minimalism. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting its own investigation into Tesla's system following media reports, and lawmakers have proposed legislation requiring manual releases to be immediately obvious and operable. Other major manufacturers including Rivian and Ford have already confronted similar criticism and made design corrections.