The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into the door opening mechanism access in 2022 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. This investigation was initiated following complaints that emergency mechanical releases are hidden. Critics also point out that these interior elements are not clearly enough marked.
Electric Door Locks Under Scrutiny
Door handles in modern cars are increasingly becoming a subject of discussion, and it’s not about their design. Every year, more vehicles receive electric door locks, and they often find themselves in the spotlight. The new NHTSA investigation into the 2022 Tesla Model 3 clearly demonstrates the reason for such interest.
This case raises an important question about the distribution of responsibility. Should car manufacturers do more to make such systems foolproof, or does a share of the responsibility lie with owners who should understand the emergency functions of their vehicles?
One Complaint – Thousands of Cars Under Inspection
One complaint, submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), led to the start of an inspection of 179,071 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. All of them were released in the 2022 model year, but later the scope of the investigation may be expanded. ODI report number 11698174 describes how one driver tried to escape from his burning Tesla after a head-on collision.
“During a head-on collision in Georgia, the electrical system of my 2022 Tesla Model 3 lost power, and the electric door releases stopped working. The car’s interior caught fire, and I found myself trapped inside,” writes the owner in his complaint. “I had to climb into the back seat and kick out the rear passenger window with my feet to escape while the interior was burning. I suffered a broken hip and arm, and later required a full hip replacement.”
Undoubtedly, this is a horrific story that requires careful consideration. It is important to note that opening a defect investigation does not yet mean an inevitable recall. Currently, NHTSA is assessing whether the root of the problem lies in a genuine design flaw, insufficient labeling and information, or in a tragic combination of panic, lack of awareness, and extreme circumstances. These are the key aspects of the situation.
Mechanical Releases and Misunderstandings
As has been repeatedly noted, the driver was centimeters away from rescue. Tesla integrates a mechanical release into the door armrest. Using it does not require removing any panels, applying extraordinary effort, or knowing any special techniques. It is enough to simply pull up on the far end of the armrest to manually open the door.
However, the complainant claims he was unaware of the mechanical release’s existence.
“I did not know about the location of the hidden mechanical emergency door release because it has no visible marking, it was not explained during vehicle pickup, and it is not intuitive in an emergency situation.”
The driver in this case significantly worsened his situation by moving to the rear of the car. This reaction raises an important question: is Tesla at fault for not making the mechanical release more obvious, or should the responsibility lie with the owner who did not learn how to use a key safety feature in his own vehicle?
And although the owner claims that Tesla did not provide proper “owner training,” the emergency exit procedure is described in the user manual.
Real Safety Issues
Whichever side of the responsibility issue you support, it is worth noting that this investigation could extend far beyond the 179 thousand vehicles. According to Tesla’s online manual for the 2017-2022 Model 3, there are no emergency door releases for rear seat passengers.
It is currently unclear whether NHTSA will determine that such a situation is sufficient grounds for taking action against Tesla. It is likely that at the time of production, the automaker fully complied with federal safety standards. Otherwise, similar stories would have appeared earlier.
Nevertheless, such reports can become a serious headache for Tesla. The Model S for some time used rear door releases hidden under the carpet.
Perhaps it is time for automakers to return to classic mechanical locks or at least to backup mechanical locks that work in conjunction with the door handle itself. Many manufacturers already use this approach.
This case highlights a broader trend in the automotive industry, where electronics are replacing mechanics even in safety-critical components. The question of balance between innovative design, convenience, and unquestionable reliability in extreme conditions remains open. The regulator’s investigation could set a precedent that will influence design approaches not only for Tesla but also for other manufacturers actively implementing electrified cabin access systems. The ultimate goal is to ensure that progress in technology does not create new risks to people’s lives in emergency situations.