More than four million cars are being recalled in China because their emergency mechanical door releases could be difficult to find following a crash, prompting one of the country’s biggest coordinated automotive safety campaigns.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced recalls on August 21 covering vehicles from Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Geely-owned Zeekr, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC and FAW, among others, reported CarNewsChina.

The central problem is relatively simple: on many affected vehicles, the emergency mechanical release inside the cabin is similar in colour to the surrounding interior trim, making it difficult to identify and operate.

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That could become critical following a serious crash if the vehicle’s low-voltage electrical system fails and the normal electronic door-opening mechanism stops working. Chinese authorities say occupants could have difficulty escaping, while rescuers may also face problems gaining access.

Tesla accounts for the largest individual campaign. Almost three million China-built and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles are affected by the emergency-release issue. Tesla will add warning labels and remotely update the window-control software to introduce a post-crash window-lowering function.

Xiaomi is recalling 390,435 SU7 electric sedans, while Leapmotor’s (below) campaign covers 371,200 C01 and C11 vehicles. Zeekr has recalled 92,658 examples of its 007 and X, with Xpeng, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC and FAW also announcing campaigns.

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The recalls come ahead of tougher Chinese regulations covering vehicle door handles from January 1, 2027.

Under the new rules, doors will require independently operating mechanical interior releases, while emergency handles must be clearly marked and readily identifiable even in poor light. The regulations also establish requirements governing mechanical exterior releases.

The issue has gained greater attention following fatal crashes involving electric vehicles fitted with electronic door systems.

Most affected manufacturers will address existing cars through highly visible labels identifying the emergency release, often accompanied by over-the-air software changes designed to lower the windows following a serious collision.

The recalls highlight a growing concern surrounding increasingly minimalist vehicle interiors: in an emergency, potentially life-saving controls still need to be immediately obvious and simple to operate.