China Initiates Safety Regulations for Car Door Handles Amid Global Concerns
The handle of a Tesla Model Y electric vehicle sits flush against the vehicle’s side inside a showroom in Beijing on February 3, 2026. China will ban hidden door handles on cars sold in the country starting next year, phasing out the minimalist design because of safety concerns. Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images
Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images
In a groundbreaking move, China has announced that starting in 2027, all cars sold in the country must feature doors that can be opened manually from either side, addressing growing concerns about the safety of electronically powered and hidden door handles. This decision follows increasing scrutiny over modern car designs, particularly those popularized by Tesla, which have come under fire for potential safety risks.
Electronic door handles, which remain flush with the vehicle’s body until activated, have been adopted widely by automakers due to their sleek design and aerodynamic benefits. However, the reliance on electronic systems poses risks if these systems fail during emergencies, such as crashes or battery issues. Read more about the design benefits.
An investigative report by Bloomberg News highlighted cases where Tesla’s door handles failed to open during emergencies, necessitating window breakage for passenger rescue. In response, Tesla’s chief designer shared plans with Bloomberg to redesign the handles. Though Tesla did not comment for NPR, they are clearly under pressure to address these safety issues.
Following the report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the Tesla Model Y’s door handles. While NHTSA did not comment on ongoing investigations, they acknowledged looking into similar issues with other manufacturers, including a Dodge Journey model and past recalls involving Ford and Fisker.
Concerns extend beyond exterior door handles. There are calls to investigate Tesla Model 3’s interior door releases, which might be hard to find during emergencies. While a manual release is available, its location can be problematic in urgent situations.
Tragically, door handle issues have been linked to fatalities. Bloomberg reported 15 fatalities where Tesla’s doors could not be opened, hampering evacuation efforts.
Electronic door handles are not exclusive to Tesla. In the U.S., Consumer Reports notes brands like Audi, BMW, and Ford employ similar designs, raising global safety concerns. Moreover, a fatal Xiaomi crash in China has intensified scrutiny on this issue.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shared an infographic explaining the new regulation’s aim to address “inconvenient operation” and ensure mechanical door operations “even in the event of a disaster.” For interior handles, mechanical releases must be “visible” and easily accessible, unlike some Tesla models where users need to remove speaker covers to access manual releases.
While this regulation targets vehicles in China, its implications reach global automakers who must adapt designs for compliance. This move underscores the divergent automotive policies between China and the U.S., where Chinese vehicles face heavy tariffs and technology prohibitions. However, U.S. legislation has been introduced to mandate manual door releases, reflecting growing safety pressures.
NPR’s Huo Jingnan contributed to this report.
Original Story at www.npr.org