Tesla is carrying out its largest-ever recall in China, affecting millions of vehicles across nearly every major model line. The issue isn’t mechanical — it’s software and safety‑interface related, and the fixes will be delivered through over‑the‑air (OTA) updates.
The main recall: 2.98 million vehicles
China’s market regulator announced that Tesla will recall 2.98 million China‑made and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles. The problem:
Emergency door release handles may be hard to identify after a severe crash or electrical failure, potentially slowing escape or rescue.
Separately, Tesla is immediately recalling 2.74 million China‑made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
The issue:
- Driver‑attention monitoring needs improvement when assisted steering or driver‑assistance features are active.
- The goal is to reduce collision risk if drivers fail to respond quickly.
BEIJING, Aug 21 (Reuters) – Tesla will roll out software fixes for millions of vehicles in China, the country’s market regulator said on Monday, marking the automaker’s largest-ever recall in the market.
Effective September 25, Tesla will recall 2.98 million China-made and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles because emergency door release handles may be difficult to identify, potentially hindering escape or rescue after a severe crash and electrical system failure. The remedy includes warning labels and an over-the-air (OTA) update that lowers windows after a collision.
Separately, Tesla is immediately recalling 2.74 million China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for an OTA software update to enhance driver-attention monitoring while assisted steering and other driver-assistance functions are engaged, reducing the risk of collisions if drivers fail to respond promptly.
