Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China over concerns that hidden emergency door releases could make it difficult for occupants to escape following a crash or fire.

The recall is part of a broader nationwide campaign involving 11 automakers, which are taking measures to ensure vehicle occupants can locate and operate manual door releases during emergencies, according to Reuters.

Nine of the manufacturers, including Tesla, will install warning labels on affected vehicles to identify the location of emergency door releases.

Xiaomi, Xpeng, Zeekr and Lynk & Co. are among the other electric vehicle brands involved in the recalls.

All 11 automakers will also roll out software updates as part of the recall programme.

The issue has gained prominence as automakers, including Tesla, have increasingly adopted electronically controlled door latches as standard features.

The systems allow drivers to unlock and open vehicles using smartphones, NFC cards and other electronic methods.

However, electronic door latches may become inoperable following a collision or power failure.

Automakers generally provide manual emergency releases, but these mechanisms can be difficult to locate because they are sometimes concealed behind door panels or placed in less obvious locations.

China announced in February, following a two-year review, that it would prohibit hidden, electronically actuated exterior door handles from 2027 as part of efforts to strengthen vehicle safety.

The issue has also attracted regulatory attention in the United States. The country’s top automotive safety regulator opened an investigation into Tesla’s door-latching systems late last year after Bloomberg reports highlighted concerns about their operation during emergencies.

The regulator is also considering new safety requirements for vehicle door-latching systems, while a US lawmaker has proposed legislation requiring manual emergency releases to be intuitive to use and readily accessible to occupants.