Russian media report growing complaints about door-lock malfunctions in Chinese-made vehicles, particularly during extreme cold. Drivers say the driver-side door can freeze shut, in some cases forcing them to attempt escape through a window—an option that becomes risky in freezing conditions and may damage window-lift mechanisms.
According to Russian outlet Lenta Dnya, the issue is commonly caused by condensation seeping into the electric door-lock actuator. When temperatures drop, the moisture freezes, causing the lock to seize and preventing the door from being opened even manually. Videos circulating online show drivers unable to unlock or open doors from either inside or outside the vehicle, even after lowering the window.
Automotive expert Vadim Kabanov told The Post that harsh Russian winters could turn some Chinese vehicles into “mobile coffins,” posing serious safety hazards. He added that Chinese cars generally perform worse in winter conditions than Korean, Japanese, and German models, and claimed that owners often need to replace key components every three years, with frequent issues including transmission failures.
Source: Epoch Times, January 13, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/1/12/n14674773.htm