Safety concerns over Tesla door handles
U.S. regulators will begin drawing up rules to address the danger posed by Tesla’s sleek, seamless electric door handles – widely copied by other brands – which can stop working after a crash, trapping passengers
Tesla Model 3
EXTERIOR HANDLES
Activated by 12v battery often at front of car near point of impact
Flush-fitting door handles
When pushed in at wide end, handle pivots out for use. Ceases to work when power is lost
INTERIOR HANDLES Vary by make and model
Front doors
Manual opening lever
Electric opening button
Rear doors
Electric opening button
Manual opening lever
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Electric buttons cease to work when power is lost
Alternative positions for manual lever: Behind speaker or door trim, in door pocket, under seat
Sep 2025
Jan 2026
NHTSA opens defect investigation for existing vehicles
SAFE Exit Act would require new vehicles to be fitted with manual door releases and means for first responders to gain access
Sources: Bloomberg, Tesla, TechCrunch
Pictures: Tesla
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