Tesla Owners Are Equipping Escape Tools Before It's Too Late | Carscoops

      Manual release handles in some Teslas are often hidden away, prompting drivers and passengers to prepare for emergencies with DIY solutions.

      Tesla's door release mechanisms differ significantly by model and seat placement.

      Some owners have invested in glass breakers for emergencies.

      After accidents, finding manual latches quickly can be challenging.

      If you're in the market for a new vehicle, especially one with a high safety rating like a Tesla, it may come as a surprise that during certain incidents, the car's electric doors have not opened as intended. There have been reports of passengers being trapped inside, unable to escape, and in some cases, even emergency personnel struggled to get the retractable doors open from the outside.

      Read: How to Open Tesla Doors When Power Is Lost in an Emergency

      Tesla does provide manual door releases in both front and rear seats for its newer models, but many owners are unaware of their location. Depending on the model year, these latches can be obscured. When faced with the chaos and urgency of a crash, this can lead to a dangerous situation.

      Following several tragic accidents where occupants were unable to escape in time, Tesla owners have taken proactive measures.

      What Happens If the Power Fails?

      Increasingly, Tesla owners are purchasing glass breakers to ensure they can escape if trapped. For the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, Model S, and Cybertruck, there’s some peace of mind. The front doors feature an easily accessible mechanical latch next to the side window switches, making it relatively straightforward to exit in the event of a power failure, provided users know it's there.

      However, rear seat passengers encounter a more complex escape process. For instance, in Model 3s manufactured from 2024 onward, rear passengers must remove a piece of plastic from the door pocket and pull a loop to manually release the door. This setup is similar in the Model Y and the Cybertruck as well.

      The Model X presents a more complicated and potentially hazardous situation, as the rear speaker grille must be removed to access a cord for opening the door. In the Model S, the manual release cable is hidden beneath the carpet under the seats.

      Older Model 3s built before 2023 lack a manual release altogether, making it advisable for anyone in the rear of a Tesla to have a glass breaker within easy reach.

      Innovative Solutions Emerge

      Independent reports indicate that some resourceful Tesla owners have begun marketing accessories to simplify access and use of manual door latches.

      A quick online search reveals a niche market focused on these solutions, with offerings like custom cords from Tesery and EV Dynamics. There are also many other products available on Amazon, including those from SWLOR and YONZEE, along with various pull-cord kits designed for different Tesla models.

      Additionally, rideshare drivers using Tesla models have started informing passengers about how to exit the vehicle if they become trapped after a crash.

      One such driver, Chad Lincoln, an Uber driver in Tennessee, now gives a brief "flight attendant" style announcement to new passengers in his Model 3, detailing how to locate and operate the emergency door release.

      Tesla is aware of these concerns. In September, chief designer Franz von Holzhausen confirmed that the company is working on redesigning the door handles, stating that combining the electric and manual releases into a single button "makes a lot of sense."