China recalls millions of EVs — including 3 million Teslas — over hidden door handles that are too hard to find in an emergency

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has ordered a recall of millions of electric vehicles because their mechanical interior door releases are too difficult to locate in an emergency. The problem is not the lack of a mechanical backup — most affected cars have one — but its poor visibility: the release lever is painted in the same color as the surrounding trim, making it blend in instead of standing out.

The recall covers approximately 2.98 million Tesla vehicles sold in China, along with hundreds of thousands of Chinese-brand EVs that use a similar design. According to SAMR, the hidden handle design could delay occupants' escape in a fire or crash, especially when seconds matter.

The move is part of a broader crackdown on hidden and electronic door handles in China. Starting in 2027, the country will ban fully hidden electronic handles that lack an obvious mechanical backup. The regulation reflects growing global concern over the safety of such designs: if the car's electrical system fails, passengers may be trapped inside because the electronic release stops working and the mechanical backup is not immediately recognizable.

The recall underscores how automakers' pursuit of sleek, flush exteriors has created a real-world safety hazard. While many manufacturers have already begun adding contrasting colors or illuminated indicators to their mechanical releases, China's action forces the issue retroactively for millions of cars already on the road.