U.S. safety regulators are currently investigating certain Tesla Model 3 vehicles due to concerns regarding the design of their door handles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is looking into the emergency door handle mechanism following a complaint from a Model 3 owner. This driver reported difficulties in locating the mechanical door release, which he described as being “hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during an emergency.”
The complaint arose after a 2022 Model 3 caught fire, prompting the driver to escape through a rear window. This investigation targets approximately 179,000 Model 3 cars from the 2022 model year, according to the NHTSA’s filing. Tesla has yet to provide an official response regarding the allegations.
This investigation comes on the heels of previous issues involving the Model 3. Earlier in 2023, a tragic incident in Tacoma, Washington, raised concerns when a couple experienced an unintended acceleration due to a design flaw, leading to a fatal crash. Reports indicated that a problem with the door handles hindered bystanders from assisting the couple during the emergency. The incident resulted in the death of Wendy Dennis and left her husband, Jeff Dennis, with severe injuries.
Further reports indicated that at least 15 fatalities over the past decade have occurred where drivers or rescuers were unable to open the doors of a crashed Tesla that had ignited, due to failures in the electric door mechanisms or difficulties in finding manual overrides.
As investigations continue, the spotlight on Tesla’s safety features serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle design in emergency situations. The outcome of this probe could potentially lead to necessary improvements in safety features, enhancing accessibility for all occupants in critical situations.