BEIJING – Tesla has issued a recall for over 1.6 million electric vehicles (EVs) in China due to complications with their automatic assisted steering and door latch controls. The recall, announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, applies to Model S, X, 3, and Y vehicles that were exported to China.
The automatic steering assist function is being recalled because drivers may misuse the combined driving function, leading to an increased risk of accidents. To address this issue, Tesla in Beijing and Shanghai will utilize remote upgrades to fix the problem, minimizing the need for car owners to physically visit service centers.
In addition to the automatic steering assist, a separate recall has been issued to rectify the door unlock logic control for imported Model S and Model X EVs. This recall affects 7,538 vehicles produced between October 26, 2022, and November 16, 2023. The purpose of this recall is to prevent door latches from coming open in the event of a collision.
These recalls come after a previous recall in the United States, where over 2 million Tesla EVs were recalled to improve the system for monitoring drivers. The move followed a two-year investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which deemed the system to be defective. Numerous accidents, some resulting in fatalities, were linked to the use of Tesla’s Autopilot system.
To address concerns about driver attentiveness, Tesla plans to implement online software changes that will enhance warnings and alerts to drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel. However, research conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and other investigators has shown that relying solely on torque measurements on the steering wheel does not guarantee sufficient driver attention.
China is a significant market for Tesla, with the country being both a large market and a manufacturing center for the electric vehicle company. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has fostered a close relationship with Chinese officials, even amidst strained U.S.-China relations. Tesla established an electric vehicle plant in Shanghai in 2019, which produces cars for the Chinese market, Europe, and other overseas markets. Currently, Tesla is the second-largest seller of electric vehicles in China, with Chinese auto company BYD holding the top position.
The recall serves as a demonstration of Tesla’s commitment to addressing safety concerns and maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation. Tesla owners in China can now have peace of mind knowing that the company is proactively taking steps to rectify these issues and ensure the safety of their vehicles.
