Tesla door design faces US safety probe after crash complaints

December 25, 2025 / 11:34 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: US auto safety officials have launched a preliminary investigation into Tesla’s door design following a complaint about difficulty in accessing the mechanical release during an emergency.

Complaint details

The petition came from Kevin Clouse, a driver of a 2022 Tesla Model 3, who said the door release was "hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive" when the electric system failed. Clouse escaped a fire by breaking a rear window with help from a witness.

Safety concerns

The investigation follows reports of at least 15 fatalities where Tesla occupants or rescuers could not open doors after crashes and fires. Tesla has said it is redesigning the door handle system, while a manual release diagram is available on the company’s website.

NHTSA action

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it will evaluate the petition to determine whether a defect exists and if further action is needed.