The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is reviewing car safety rules in the UK following a massive recall of more than four million vehicles in China over concerns about hidden or flush door handles. The DVSA has confirmed that there are currently no active recalls for Tesla vehicles in the UK related to this issue, but the situation is being actively reviewed.
China recall affects millions of vehicles
In China, a total of 2.98 million Tesla models are being recalled, in addition to vehicles from Chinese brands such as Xpeng, Xiaomi and Leapmotor. The recall was prompted by safety concerns about minimalist, pop-out door handles, which can fail to operate after a crash, making it difficult for emergency services to reach passengers inside stricken vehicles.
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced in February that it will outlaw these door handles from January 1 2027. Recalled Tesla cars will have a warning label stuck on the inside of the door and receive a software update that automatically lowers the windows after a collision.
DVSA response and UK situation
In response to the recall in China, the DVSA said there was no active recall for the issue in the UK, adding that its priority was vehicle safety. “We work closely with manufacturers to determine when a safety recall is necessary, ensuring any remedy is both effective and compliant with safety regulations,” a DVSA spokesperson told GB News.
“DVSA is currently reviewing the situation and working with the manufacturers to identify if there is a problem in the UK. There are currently no active DVSA recalls relating to hidden door handles of cars. Motorists can check if their vehicle has an active safety recall by visiting GOV.UK.”
Potential impact on UK car buyers
Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, commented on the potential global implications: “China’s decision to require mechanical door releases both inside and outside the car could have consequences well beyond its borders. Manufacturers won’t want to build completely different cars for different markets, so what happens in China could influence the cars we buy here in the UK. And, with the US also looking at tougher rules and Europe reviewing the technology, the days of the flush, electronic door handle could be numbered.”
The DVSA continues to monitor the situation and work with manufacturers to ensure that any safety issues are addressed in compliance with UK regulations. Motorists are advised to check the GOV.UK website for any active recalls on their vehicles.
