Tesla Doors: Deadly Traps or Safety Features?

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Tesla, alleging that the company's electric car doors can trap occupants following a crash, with tragic consequences. A recent complaint in Massachusetts federal court details how Samuel Tremblett, 20, was unable to escape his burning Model Y SUV after an October collision, ultimately succumbing to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. This case is among at least a dozen incidents over the past decade that have resulted in approximately 15 deaths when occupants or rescuers were unable to open Tesla doors after accidents.

These entrapment concerns have attracted significant global attention, prompting regulators in China and Europe to consider new safety regulations for electric door handles, which have become common in many vehicle models. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating possible defects in Model Y SUVs, citing instances where exterior handles failed. Lawmakers have also proposed legislation mandating manual door releases in new cars to ensure first responder access during power loss events. Tesla has stated it is working on redesigns and claims doors unlock automatically after a serious collision is detected.