Tesla is recalling millions of electric vehicles in China, according to a report from DIE ZEIT. The action, which affects close to three million cars, follows a directive from Chinese regulators regarding specific safety defects.
The recall centers on two main issues: problems with door handles and deficiencies in the driver monitoring system, as reported by DIE ZEIT and other outlets covering the story. The scale of the recall makes it one of the largest of its kind in the country, with some reports describing it as a record for the industry.
The move is part of a broader regulatory push in China. According to coverage from Automobilwoche, the total number of vehicles recalled across multiple brands, including Tesla and Xiaomi, could reach seven million. This suggests that Chinese authorities are taking a stricter line on vehicle quality and safety compliance across the electric vehicle sector.
For Tesla, the recall adds to a series of regulatory and operational challenges in its second-largest market. The company has faced increased competition from domestic manufacturers and has had to adjust pricing and features to maintain its position. The current recall, however, is specifically about hardware and software fixes that must be implemented to meet Chinese safety standards.
The fixes will be applied through over-the-air updates or dealer visits, depending on the nature of the defect, though specifics on the repair process have not been detailed in the reporting. Tesla has not yet issued a public statement on the matter beyond the regulatory filing.
What to watch next is how quickly Tesla can complete the required fixes and whether the recall affects consumer confidence in the brand in China, where local rivals are aggressively expanding their own EV lineups.
