NHTSA Investigates Emergency Door Release Issue in Tesla Model 3

The U.S. auto safety regulator has initiated a defect investigation into Tesla Model 3 compact sedans due to concerns regarding the accessibility and visibility of emergency door release controls. This investigation, launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation, affects approximately 179,071 vehicles from the 2022 model year.

The probe was officially opened on December 23 after the agency received a defect petition. This petition raised alarms about the mechanical door release, which is reportedly hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during emergencies. Such concerns highlight the potential risks associated with the design of these vehicles.

Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this investigation. The company’s vehicles predominantly utilize electronic door latches that operate via buttons, moving away from traditional mechanical handles. While Tesla does provide a manual door release for emergencies or power failures, experts have criticized the visibility and labeling of these mechanical releases, particularly for rear-seat passengers who may find them difficult to locate in urgent situations.

In a related incident, Tesla faced legal action last month over a tragic crash in Wisconsin that resulted in the deaths of all five occupants of a Model S. The lawsuit alleges that the victims were trapped inside the vehicle due to a design flaw that hindered their ability to open the doors. Additionally, families of two college students killed in a Cybertruck crash last November in a San Francisco suburb have also sued the automaker, claiming that the door handle design prevented them from escaping the burning vehicle.

It’s important to note that the initiation of a defect petition does not automatically lead to a recall. However, it marks the beginning of a regulatory review process that could result in further actions if safety-related defects are substantiated. In September, the NHTSA had already opened a preliminary evaluation into around 174,290 Model Y vehicles due to reports of inoperative electronic door handles.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Janane Venkatraman and Shilpi Majumdar)

Topics
Tesla

The U.S. auto safety regulator has initiated a defect investigation into Tesla Model 3 compact sedans due to concerns regarding the accessibility and visibility of emergency door release controls. This investigation, launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation, affects approximately 179,071 vehicles from the 2022 model year.

The probe was officially opened on December 23 after the agency received a defect petition. This petition raised alarms about the mechanical door release, which is reportedly hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during emergencies. Such concerns highlight the potential risks associated with the design of these vehicles.

Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this investigation. The company’s vehicles predominantly utilize electronic door latches that operate via buttons, moving away from traditional mechanical handles. While Tesla does provide a manual door release for emergencies or power failures, experts have criticized the visibility and labeling of these mechanical releases, particularly for rear-seat passengers who may find them difficult to locate in urgent situations.

In a related incident, Tesla faced legal action last month over a tragic crash in Wisconsin that resulted in the deaths of all five occupants of a Model S. The lawsuit alleges that the victims were trapped inside the vehicle due to a design flaw that hindered their ability to open the doors. Additionally, families of two college students killed in a Cybertruck crash last November in a San Francisco suburb have also sued the automaker, claiming that the door handle design prevented them from escaping the burning vehicle.

It’s important to note that the initiation of a defect petition does not automatically lead to a recall. However, it marks the beginning of a regulatory review process that could result in further actions if safety-related defects are substantiated. In September, the NHTSA had already opened a preliminary evaluation into around 174,290 Model Y vehicles due to reports of inoperative electronic door handles.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Janane Venkatraman and Shilpi Majumdar)

Topics
Tesla