Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Tesla's Faulty Electric Doors Linked to 15 Deaths
Tesla cars have a problem with their electric doors.
These doors use a special system that needs the car's battery to work.
If the battery gets damaged in a crash, the doors can't be opened, even by people trying to help.
This has led to 15 deaths because people couldn't get out of the car before it caught fire.
Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, knew about this problem but chose to keep the doors looking sleek instead of making them safer.
Now, there are investigations and lawsuits about this issue.
Tesla says they are working on making the doors safer in the future.
Tesla's electric doors have been linked to 15 deaths due to failure to open after crashes.
The doors rely on a 12-volt battery, which can be damaged in severe collisions, rendering the doors inoperable.
Manual emergency releases are present but often hidden and difficult to find, especially in the rear seats.
The NHTSA opened a formal investigation in September 2025, focusing on incidents where children were trapped.
Elon Musk and Tesla leadership were reportedly warned about the design flaws as early as 2017 but prioritized aesthetic over safety.
- Who
- Tesla, CEO Elon Musk, NHTSA, Bloomberg
- What
- Faulty electric doors in Tesla vehicles linked to 15 deaths
- When
- Investigation period: 2012-2025; NHTSA investigation opened in September 2025
- Where
- Tesla vehicles globally
- Why
- Electronic door mechanisms failing to open during emergencies due to battery disconnection or damage
- Number of Deaths
- 15
- Time Period Investigated
- 2012-2025
- Door Mechanism
- Electronic solenoids
- Power Source
- 12-volt battery
- Regulatory Investigation
- NHTSA (September 2025)
- Lawsuits
- Multiple wrongful death lawsuits
- CEO's Stance
- Prioritized design over safety
- Future Redesign
- Combined electronic and manual release mechanisms