Tesla has initiated a recall of more than 1.6 million Model S, X, 3, and Y electric vehicles that were exported to China, citing issues with their automatic assisted steering and door latch controls.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation made the announcement on Friday, stating that Tesla Motors in Beijing and Shanghai would address the problems through remote upgrades, eliminating the need for most car owners to visit Tesla service centers.
The recall focuses on problems with the automatic steering assist function in 1.6 million imported Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles. The notice highlights the potential misuse of the combined driving function by drivers when the automatic steering function is engaged, increasing the risk of accidents.
For the imported Model S and Model X electric vehicles, a recall has been issued to address the door unlock logic control. This affects 7,538 vehicles manufactured between October 26, 2022, and November 16, 2023, with the aim of preventing door latches from opening during collisions.
These recalls come on the heels of a similar recall in the U.S. last month, where over 2 million Tesla electric vehicles were recalled to enhance the monitoring system for drivers. The recall was prompted by a two-year investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which identified defects in the system following a series of accidents involving the Autopilot partially automated driving system. Some of these incidents resulted in fatalities.
The upgrades seek to prompt Tesla Autopilot system users to pay closer attention to the road. Tesla’s documents filed with the U.S. government indicate that the online software changes will increase warnings and alerts to remind drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel. However, research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Transportation Safety Board, and other investigators reveals that merely measuring torque on the steering wheel may not ensure drivers are paying sufficient attention.
China, being a significant market and manufacturing center for Tesla, plays a crucial role for the company. CEO Elon Musk has established close ties with Chinese officials, even amid strained U.S.-China relations. Tesla’s electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, operational since 2019, assembles cars for the Chinese, European, and other overseas markets. In the booming Chinese market for electric vehicles, Tesla holds the second position, with the market leader being the Chinese auto company BYD.
