8 months ago
Tesla Model 3 Under Investigation for Door Safety
The US auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla Model 3 cars because some people think the emergency door release is too hard to find.
The investigation covers about 1.79 lakh Model 3 cars made in 2022.
The problem is that the manual door release is hidden and not clearly labeled, which could be dangerous in an emergency.
Tesla uses electronic door systems that open with buttons, but there is a manual release for emergencies.
Tesla is also facing lawsuits after some fatal crashes where people could not escape because the doors would not open.
The regulator says this investigation does not mean there will definitely be a recall, but it is the first step to check if there is a safety problem.
US auto safety regulator (NHTSA) investigating Tesla Model 3 door release controls
Investigation covers 1.79 lakh Model 3 cars made in 2022
Complaint claims manual door release is hidden, unlabeled, and hard to find in an emergency
Tesla uses electronic door systems with a manual release for emergencies
Tesla facing lawsuits over fatal crashes where doors could not be opened
- Who
- US auto safety regulator (NHTSA) and Tesla
- What
- Investigation into Tesla Model 3 door release controls
- Where
- United States
- When
- Investigation started on December 23
- Why
- Concerns over hidden, unlabeled, hard-to-find manual door release
Safety Concerns
Tesla's Design
Accessibility of Emergency Door Release
Safety Concerns
The emergency door release is hidden, unlabeled, and hard to find, posing a safety risk in emergencies.
Tesla's Design
Tesla's design includes a manual door release for emergencies, which is part of their electronic door system.
Key facts
- Vehicles Affected
- 1.79 lakh Model 3 cars made in 2022
- Investigation Start Date
- December 23
- Complaint Details
- Hidden, unlabeled, hard-to-find manual door release
- Previous Investigation
- Model Y vehicles for electronic door handle issues (September)
- Recent Lawsuits
- Fatal crashes in Wisconsin (Model S) and San Francisco (Cybertruck)
Quotes
Kevin Clouse
A Tesla owner in Georgia who was trapped in his vehicle in 2023 and filed a petition with NHTSA.
“I was unaware of the location of the hidden mechanical emergency door release because it is not visibly labeled, not explained upon delivery, and not intuitive in an emergency. I was forced to climb to the back seat and break the rear passenger window with my legs to escape while the interior was burning.”
NDTV
