Tesla under pressure in China because of the handles. And in Europe?

Tesla under pressure in China because of the handles. And in Europe?

A few days ago, almost three million Tesla cars were found to be the target of “recall” to correct the handles of the built-in doors. In Europe there is no ongoing investigation.

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28/08/2026
by

News to Minutes

China is concerned about the safety of built-in door handles after fatal incidents in which occupants were trapped in vehicles with these kinds of solutions.

 

A few days ago, almost three million Tesla vehicles were called in a recall in China to correct the one that is considered a serious safety risk. It's just that in the event of an accident affecting the electrical system, the opening of doors by the occupants and rescuers can be complicated. The manufacturer promises software updates to respond to this collection.

And in Europe?

For Europe, where Tesla is also present, there are no investigations yet potential security problems related to door handles.

The Dutch RDW is the European regulatory body responsible for overseeing the automobiles of the manufacturer led by Elon Musk. And according to Reuters quoted by the Euronext website, made it known that there is no ongoing investigation.

Without specifying whether you might consider a “recall”, explained that is monitoring the situation. He also expressed his position on the subject of the handles: “RDW believes that vehicles must be able to be opened in all circumstances, including when the electrical system fails, intuitively, without the use of tools, either inside or outside.”.

Aerodynamics and aesthetics. What about functionality and security?

Not only Tesla, but many other manufacturers, have been betting more on built-in door handles – that have advantages from the aerodynamic point of view and also from the design, leaving the side of the vehicles with a smooth and more elegant surface.

However, functionality and safety are questioned often – since they depend on the electrical system to function. Therefore, in the event of a failure of the car, the car can only be opened with mechanical back-up systems, which may not be intuitive or easy to operate.

China has acted to toughen the rules against this type of solution following fatal occurrences in which occupants could not leave by their own means or be rescued in time - particularly in accidents that resulted in the burning of the car.

Tesla and rivals collect over four million vehicles in China

Tesla and other Chinese car manufacturers announced a collection of more than four million vehicles due to safety concerns mainly related to door handles, the Chinese authorities informed this Friday.

Lusa

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