Beijing, China—Tesla has initiated a recall of more than 1.6 million electric vehicles in China, according to the country’s market regulator. The recall is in response to software problems that could potentially pose safety risks while driving.
The issues with the assisted driving functions and door-locking systems were discovered, prompting the recall. Tesla plans to address the problems through remote “over-the-air” (OTA) updates to the vehicles’ software.
China holds significant importance for Tesla, both as a major consumer market and as the location of a significant manufacturing plant in Shanghai.
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) stated in an online statement, “Starting from now, a total of 1,610,105 imported Model S, Model X, and Model 3, as well as domestic Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles with production dates between August 26, 2014 and December 20, 2023, will be recalled.”
The SAMR further explained, “For vehicles within the scope of this recall, when the automatic assisted steering function is turned on, the driver may misuse the level two combined assisted driving function, increasing the risk of vehicle collision and posing a safety hazard.”
Additionally, the recall includes 7,538 imported Tesla models manufactured between October 26, 2022, and November 16, 2023, which were found to have “a problem with the door unlock logic controls.”
Tesla has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and providing necessary support to its customers during the recall process. “We will take necessary measures to address the software issues and ensure the safety of affected vehicles. The company has a history of utilizing OTA updates to fix software-related problems, allowing for convenient and efficient resolution without requiring physical visits to service centers.”