Tesla Recalls 2.74 Million Cars in China for Driver Monitoring Upgrade

Aug 22, 2026

77 min

Aug 22, 2026 16:30

Tesla recalls 2.74 million China-built Model 3 and Y cars to add in-cabin driver monitoring

## Major Recall in China Tesla is recalling 2.74 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured in China. This move comes after regulators determined that the current system, which detects driver hand presence on the steering wheel, is insufficient to ensure drivers are attentive to the road.

## Enhanced Monitoring System The recall will be addressed through a free software update that utilizes in-cabin cameras to monitor driver attention. This marks a significant expansion of camera-based supervision in China, Tesla's second-largest market.

## Regulatory Findings China's State Administration for Market Regulation found Tesla's existing driver-attention system inadequate, especially when using Autosteer and other Level 2 driving automation features. These systems assist with steering, acceleration, and braking but require the driver to remain engaged and ready to take control.

## Addressing Safety Concerns Previously, Tesla's system relied on detecting steering-wheel torque to infer driver engagement. However, this method does not confirm if the driver is actually watching the road. The new system will combine torque detection with camera monitoring to ensure drivers are attentive.

## Broader Implications The recall highlights the importance of real human attention in assisted-driving systems. It also reflects China's stricter standards for driver-assistance technologies, requiring drivers to remain alert and ready to act at all times.

## Additional Recall Alongside the driver-monitoring update, Tesla announced another recall affecting nearly 3 million vehicles in China. This involves emergency door releases that may be difficult to operate after a crash or power failure. Tesla plans to address this with warning labels and software updates.

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