NHTSA Investigates Tesla Model 3 Door Handle Safety Concerns

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into approximately 179,000 Tesla Model 3 vehicles from the 2022 model year. This action follows a complaint from a Tesla owner who reported difficulty locating the mechanical door release during an emergency situation. The owner recounted being forced to escape through the rear window after the vehicle caught fire.

Tesla's door design incorporates electronic handles powered by a 12-volt battery, with a mechanical release intended for use during power failures. However, concerns have been raised that this manual release is "hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during an emergency."

This investigation is part of a broader scrutiny of Tesla's door mechanisms. In September, NHTSA opened a probe into 174,000 Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year after receiving nine complaints about inoperative electronic door handles due to low battery voltage. In some instances, parents were unable to access the rear seats to retrieve their children, with four reports indicating that windows had to be broken to gain entry.

The NHTSA's ongoing evaluations aim to assess the scope and severity of these issues, including potential safety risks associated with the reported conditions. The agency is also examining Tesla's approach to supplying power to the door locks and the reliability of the applicable power supplies.

Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these investigations.