"The Shooter Crisis Arrives in Europe" following the controversy in China: Tesla, JAECOO, OMODA, and Mercedes could be affected

12/09/2026 14:00

Updated to

12/09/2026 14:00

In the event of an accident, nothing should stand in the way of ensuring the safety and survival of those affected. For this reason, China has made a drastic decision regarding car door handles after months of hesitation about what to do with them. What has been dubbed the “handle crisis” is now reaching Europe with a very similar purpose. The Netherlands’ vehicle approval and traffic authority, known as RDW and the main body responsible for overseeing Tesla’s safety in Europe, has confirmed that there are currently no recall orders for the American company’s models on the Old Continent.

This statement provides certainty to the industry on the continent by dispelling immediate concerns that arose following warnings about difficulties in unlocking vehicle compartments after an accident. Although the Dutch authority is closely monitoring the situation, it maintains that vehicles approved for use meet the current requirements in the region. However, more and more people are voicing opposition to such unlocking systems, considering them unsafe.

A call for review in Asia amid the European stance

The controversy has intensified following a decision made in China, where authorities launched the largest review of the brand’s history in the country, affecting nearly 2.98 million vehicles due to risks associated with door opening mechanisms. This action has brought the design of door handles and locks under scrutiny in critical situations. After imposing restrictions last September, the Chinese government decided last July to eliminate them permanently.

In the face of the strict measures taken by Asian countries, the Dutch authorities have chosen to continue monitoring the situation without initiating any formal investigations for now. The agency has avoided stating whether future investigations are planned, limiting itself to confirming that there are no current mandatory corrective actions in place within European territory. If authorities eventually take action against Tesla’s door closers, other manufacturers such as OMODA, JAECOO, and Mercedes could also be affected.

The mechanical principle of operation without electricity

The technical position of the Dutch approval and traffic authority is based on how the mechanical locking elements should function in the event of a power failure. According to RDW’s technical standards, any vehicle must allow its doors to be opened under all circumstances, even if the electrical systems completely fail following a severe collision or fire.

The maneuver must be able to be performed both from inside and outside the cabin in a completely intuitive manner without the need for tools. Regarding the flush or retractable handles characteristic of Tesla models, the company has clarified that this aerodynamic design does not constitute a structural defect in itself as long as it maintains effective mechanical decoupling. Inside, the door must be equipped with a physical opening system (usually hidden) that releases the door mechanically rather than electrically.

New standards under discussion at the UN and Euro NCAP

The focus on door handles stems from documented incidents in recent years where occupants or rescue services faced significant difficulties in opening the doors after a collision. For this reason, the effectiveness of retractable handles and emergency release mechanisms is being assessed in international forums. Discussions to establish new regulations are taking place at the United Nations vehicle regulation committees in Geneva and within Euro NCAP’s working groups. The goal of these organizations is to strengthen mechanical strength tests and ensure that passenger rescue does not rely solely on the vehicle’s low-voltage system.