Tesla Reviews Door Design After Reports of Passengers Trapped in Burning Cars
Tesla is exploring changes to its door design after a series of troubling accidents in which passengers were reportedly trapped inside burning vehicles because rescuers couldn’t open the doors.
Complaints Spark Federal Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from Tesla owners. Some drivers say they were forced to smash their own windows after accidentally locking children inside, unable to reopen the doors.
A Bloomberg review uncovered at least 140 incidents of people being trapped in Teslas due to door handle malfunctions, several of which led to devastating injuries.
Tesla’s Potential Fix
Speaking on Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit! podcast, Tesla’s design chief Franz von Holzhausen revealed that the company is working on a simpler, safer solution.
“The idea of combining the electronic and manual release into one button makes a lot of sense,” von Holzhausen said. “That’s something we’re actively working on.”
Currently, Teslas use separate electronic and manual mechanisms for opening doors. In emergencies—particularly after a crash that cuts power—passengers must locate a small manual release inside the car, which can be hard to find under pressure.
Which Tesla Models Are Affected?
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Model S and Model X: feature retractable door handles.
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Model 3 and Model Y: use handles that flip out when pressed.
If the electronic system fails, the manual release must be used from inside the vehicle, a step that has caused confusion and delays in critical situations.
Safety Concerns in Emergencies
Bloomberg’s investigation cited several tragedies in which passengers died or suffered severe burns when rescuers couldn’t open Tesla doors during post-crash fires.
Experts say the location and design of the manual release—especially unfamiliar to children or first responders—make it difficult to access in panic situations.
What’s Next for Tesla?
It remains unclear whether Tesla will implement this safety redesign across existing vehicles or limit it to future models. Industry analysts note that retrofitting older cars may not be feasible.
Still, safety advocates argue that simplifying door mechanisms could prevent future tragedies and restore confidence in Tesla’s innovation-driven image.