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Tesla Model 3 Doors: Safety Agency Investigates Fatal Flaw
25 Dec, 2025
Summary
- NHTSA is investigating Tesla Model 3 door handles over emergency release concerns.
- A complaint cited a hidden, unlabeled, and unintuitive mechanical door release.
- At least 15 deaths reported in a decade due to inaccessible Tesla doors post-crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a probe into the door handles of certain Tesla Model 3 vehicles. This investigation stems from a complaint regarding the emergency door release mechanism, described as hidden, unlabeled, and difficult to locate during critical situations.
One owner reported being forced to escape through a rear window after their 2022 Model 3 caught fire. The probe encompasses approximately 179,000 Model 3 cars from the 2022 model year. This scrutiny intensifies existing concerns, including a past incident in Tacoma, Washington, where a design flaw led to a fatal crash, exacerbated by door handle issues.
Reports suggest a serious pattern, with at least 15 fatalities over the last decade linked to occupants or rescuers being unable to access Tesla doors following accidents and fires. These incidents highlight potential life-threatening implications of the vehicle's door design in emergencies.
