Retractable car door handles are a sleek, modern car design feature that many vehicle lovers have come to enjoy. Because they usually sit flush with the bodywork and only pop out when needed, they give cars a clean and futuristic look. While many people think of Tesla first, retractable car door handles also appear on vehicles like the Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Range Rover Velar.
However, these handles have recently come under scrutiny. China’s recent decision to ban certain retractable door handles has raised questions about whether these designs prioritize styling over safety, and if the United States or other countries could do the same.
Learn what China is banning, what safety concerns experts have raised, and what it means for U.S. drivers.
Why Is China Banning Retractable Car Door Handles?
China recently became the first country to prohibit electronic-only hidden door handles on new passenger vehicles. Starting in 2027, new models sold must include mechanical door releases that work from both the inside and outside, even if the vehicle loses electrical power.
Not every retractable handle is banned, and automakers can continue using flush-mounted designs as long as they include a reliable mechanical backup that works during an emergency.
The rule is designed to address safety concerns about emergency access if electronically controlled door handles stop working after a crash. Some experts have also raised concerns that ice or freezing temperatures can interfere with certain flush-mounted handle designs.
Long before retractable handles became common, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said stronger door retention systems had “significantly improved door performance,” while noting that occupants “continue to be ejected through doors.”
Should U.S. Drivers Be Concerned About Retractable Car Door Handles?
Despite China’s decision and recent safety discussions about retractable car door handles, there is no evidence that they pose an immediate danger in normal driving. Concerns remain about emergency situations involving a loss of electrical power after a crash. Many vehicles include hidden mechanical releases, but their location and operation vary by manufacturer.
Read your owner’s manual to identify your vehicle’s manual door release before an emergency occurs. Also, check whether the exterior handles still work after a complete loss of electrical power, and how emergency responders or bystanders can access the vehicle if they don’t.
Automakers will continue refining these designs with additional safeguards, whether through manufacturer improvements or future regulations. It’s still too early to know whether China’s decision will encourage automakers and regulators in other countries to adopt similar requirements. Knowing how your vehicle’s emergency door release works can help prepare you for an unexpected situation.
Sources
- Associated Press, “China Will Ban Hidden Door Handles on Cars Starting in 2027.”
- Code of Federal Regulations, “Standard No. 206; Door locks and door retention components.”
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Door Locks and Door Retention Components”
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