The UK’s vehicle safety regulator has announced that it is keeping certain new rules “under review” after almost three million Tesla models were recalled.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that there are no recalls for Tesla vehicles in the UK at the moment, but the situation is being “reviewed”.
It follows the decision to recall more than four million vehicles in China in response to “hidden” or flush door handles.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said flush door handles can be difficult to locate and can cause issues in an emergency.
In total, 2.98 million Tesla models are being recalled in China, alongside vehicles from Chinese brands like Xpeng, Xiaomi, Leapmotor and Geely.
The recall follows two incidents in China, including reports where a fatality occurred after the doors could not be opened.
Tesla said in the event of a severe collision, the vehicle’s low-voltage system could fail, but noted that this will only occur in “extreme circumstances”.
Tesla is recalling 2.98 million vehicles, including both imported and Chinese-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X.
The DVSA confirmed that it was ‘reviewing’ vehicle safety rules
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DVSAIn response to the recall in China, the DVSA said there was no active recall for the issue, adding that its priority was vehicle safety.
A spokesperson added: “We work closely with manufacturers to determine when a safety recall is necessary, ensuring any remedy is both effective and compliant with safety regulations.
“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.”
Tesla said that issues with the flush door handles could occur in ‘extreme situations’ | TESLA
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced in February this year that it would be banning certain vehicle designs.
As part of the ban, which will be enforced from the start of 2027, vehicles will require a mechanical release on car doors.
Passenger door handles must also have a depressed space of more than 6cm by 2cm by 2.6cm to allow access.
It is understood that any vehicles already approved for sale and in the final stages of entering the Chinese market will have a two-year grace period.
The door handles on Tesla vehicles are flush to the door | TESLA
Tesla remains one of the best-selling electric car brands in the UK with 28,189 sales so far this year, capturing 2.18 per cent of the market.
This is an impressive 18.9 per cent jump in new registrations compared to the same time last year, when it sold 23,708 vehicles, equivalent to just over two per cent of the market.