A recent investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of Tesla Model 3 compact sedans. The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation announced that it has opened a probe into approximately 179,071 Model 3 vehicles from the 2022 model year. The inquiry follows a defect petition claiming that the emergency door release controls are not easily accessible or identifiable, particularly in high-stress situations.
The investigation, initiated on December 23, focuses on the design of the mechanical door releases, which reportedly are hidden and unlabeled, making them difficult to locate in emergencies. Tesla vehicles primarily operate using electronic door latches, typically activated through buttons rather than traditional mechanical handles. Although Tesla has incorporated manual door releases meant for emergency use or power failures, experts have criticized their visibility and intuitiveness, especially for rear-seat passengers who might find themselves in a precarious position during an emergency.
This scrutiny comes in the wake of serious incidents involving Tesla vehicles. Last month, the company faced a lawsuit relating to a tragic crash in Wisconsin, where a Model S caught fire, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants. Legal documents suggested that the victims were unable to escape because of a design flaw that prevented them from opening the doors of the vehicle. Additionally, families of two college students killed in a separate Cybertruck crash in November last year have also filed suits, alleging that the innovative door handle design kept the victims trapped in a burning vehicle.
It should be noted that the initiation of a defect petition by the NHTSA does not automatically result in a recall. Instead, this step signals the beginning of a regulatory review process, which could lead to further action if the investigation confirms safety-related defects. This is not the first time Tesla has faced scrutiny from the NHTSA; previously, in September, the agency opened a preliminary evaluation into around 174,290 Model Y cars following reports that their electronic door handles could become inoperative.
The developments surrounding these investigations highlight ongoing concerns regarding Tesla’s safety protocols and the usability of its innovative electronic features. As regulatory reviews progress, the public will be keenly watching how Tesla responds and whether any significant changes will be implemented to address these potential safety issues.
