Tesla Owner Stranded After Unable to Locate Door Release; Federal Authorities Seek Explanations | Carscoops

      U.S. regulators are examining whether occupants of the Model 3 can swiftly exit during emergencies.

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the access to door release mechanisms in the 2022 Tesla Model 3.

      This inquiry follows allegations of concealed manual releases.

      Critics argue that the emergency release isn't clearly labeled inside the vehicle.

      Currently, door handles are a significant topic of discussion, and not for their aesthetics. Each year, an increasing number of vehicles are utilizing electric door latches, which frequently become a point of contention. The recent NHTSA investigation into the 2022 Tesla Model 3 highlights the relevance of this issue.

      This situation raises questions regarding the allocation of responsibility. Should manufacturers implement more foolproof systems, or should vehicle owners take some responsibility for understanding the emergency features available in their cars?

      One Report, Thousands Affected

      A single report submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has prompted an investigation involving 179,071 Tesla Model 3 vehicles, all from the 2022 model year, with potential for additional vehicles to be included later. The ODI report, numbered 11698174, details an incident where a driver had difficulty escaping his burning Tesla following a head-on collision.

      “During a head-on collision on [XXX] in Georgia, the electrical system in my 2022 Tesla Model 3 lost power, causing the electric door releases to fail. The inside of the vehicle ignited, and I became trapped,” the Model 3 owner states in the complaint.

      “I had to climb to the back seat and break the rear passenger window with my legs to escape while the interior was ablaze. I sustained a broken hip, a broken arm, and ultimately needed a full hip replacement.”

      This is undoubtedly a distressing account that warrants examination. It is essential to note that the initiation of a defect petition does not necessarily indicate that a recall is forthcoming. Currently, the NHTSA is assessing whether the problem stems from a genuine design flaw, inadequate labeling and education, or a tragic mix of panic, lack of familiarity, and extreme conditions. These factors are all critical to the case.

      Manual Releases and Misunderstandings

      As we have noted on numerous occasions, the driver was mere inches from escape. Tesla includes a manual release within the door armrest that does not require special tools, excessive force, or anything else to function. To manually open the door, one simply needs to pull up on the far end of the armrest.

      However, the individual raising the complaint claims he was unaware of the manual release's existence. “I did not know where the hidden mechanical emergency door release was located because it is not visibly labeled, not explained during delivery, and not intuitive in an emergency.”

      The driver's decision to move to the back of the vehicle further compounded his situation. This reaction prompts a vital question: is it Tesla's responsibility for not making the manual release more apparent, or does the onus fall on the owner for not familiarizing himself with a critical safety feature of his vehicle?

      While the owner argues that Tesla did not provide adequate “owner education,” the emergency egress procedure is detailed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

      Genuine Safety Concerns

      Regardless of where one stands on the issue of responsibility, it's important to recognize that this investigation could extend beyond the initial 179,071 cars. According to Tesla’s own online manual for the 2017-2022 Model 3, there are no emergency door releases for rear-seat passengers.

      At this point, it's uncertain if the NHTSA will determine that such a condition necessitates action from Tesla. It’s likely that the automaker complied with Federal Safety Standards during production. If not, similar stories may have surfaced earlier in the decade.

      Nevertheless, incidents like this could present significant challenges for Tesla. The Model S notoriously featured rear-seat releases that were hidden beneath the rear carpet for a time.

      Perhaps it’s time for automakers to revert to traditional mechanical latches or at least to incorporate backup mechanical latches that function in conjunction with the door handle itself. Many manufacturers are already adopting this method.