NHTSA launches investigation into Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
CBS News••business
Key Points:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into the emergency door handles of approximately 179,000 Tesla Model 3 vehicles from the 2022 model year, following a complaint about their design.
- The complaint alleges that the mechanical door release is hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during emergencies, with one driver reporting having to escape through a rear window after a fire.
- Previous incidents involving the Model 3 include a fatal crash in 2023 linked to a design flaw causing unintended acceleration, where door handle issues also hindered rescue efforts.
- Additional reports have emerged of occupants becoming trapped in burning Tesla vehicles due to incapacitated electric doors and difficulty locating manual releases.
- Tesla has not yet
