Families Sue Tesla Over Cybertruck Door Design After Fatal Crash

In November 2024, a Tesla Cybertruck crashed in Piedmont, California, resulting in the deaths of three college students. The families of two victims, Krysta Tsukahara and Jack Nelson, have filed lawsuits against Tesla, alleging that the vehicle's electronic door design prevented the occupants from escaping the ensuing fire.

The lawsuits claim that the Cybertruck's reliance on electronic door mechanisms, without accessible manual overrides, trapped the passengers inside after the crash. The families argue that Tesla was aware of the potential dangers associated with electronic doors but continued to market vehicles with this design. They cite multiple complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warning that rear-seat passengers could be trapped during emergencies.

The Tsukaharas stated that their daughter's death was preventable, emphasizing that she was alive after the crash but unable to escape due to the door design. Similarly, the Nelsons highlighted that their son was also alive post-crash but succumbed to smoke inhalation and burns after being trapped inside.

The lawsuits also reference a 2013 earnings call where Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged issues with door sensors malfunctioning, leading to doors not opening. Despite assurances that the problem had been fixed, failures reportedly continued, with over 30 customer complaints about doors refusing to open cited in the lawsuits.

This legal action adds to the scrutiny Tesla faces over its vehicle designs, particularly concerning safety features and emergency egress mechanisms.