U.S. auto safety regulators have opened a new investigation into certain Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) Model 3 vehicles after complaints raised concerns about the accessibility and usability of the car’s emergency door release system.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a December 23 filing that its Office of Defects Investigations launched the probe following a petition from a Tesla owner who alleged that the mechanical emergency door release is “hidden, unlabeled and not intuitive to locate during an emergency.”

According to the complaint, the owner was forced to escape through the rear window of a 2022 Tesla Model 3 after the vehicle caught fire. The incident was later described by the driver during an interview with a local television station in Atlanta.The investigation covers approximately 179,000 Model 3 sedans from the 2022 model year, according to NHTSA records. While Tesla vehicles rely primarily on electronic door mechanisms, they also include a mechanical release intended for use if electrical systems fail.

Regulators said the inquiry will focus on whether the design and placement of the manual door release could pose safety risks during emergencies. NHTSA documents indicate that at least one injury has been linked to the issue, and additional complaints allege that occupants were unable to exit vehicles after crashes without breaking windows. Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Model 3 has faced prior scrutiny related to door accessibility. In a 2023 crash in Tacoma, Washington, court filings allege that bystanders were unable to open the doors of a crashed Model 3 due to handle design issues. The incident resulted in the death of one occupant and serious injuries to another. NHTSA has also opened a separate investigation this year into 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles involving similar concerns. That probe, affecting roughly 174,000 SUVs, followed reports that parents were unable to open electric doors to rescue children, forcing them in some cases to break windows.

According to a recent Bloomberg investigation, there have been at least 15 deaths over the past decade in incidents where Tesla vehicle doors could not be opened following crashes and fires. Tesla has previously stated that its vehicles include manual releases, though regulators note that these may not always be easily accessible or operable, particularly by children or injured occupants. 

The current Model 3 investigation remains in its early stages. NHTSA has not yet determined whether a recall or corrective action will be required. The agency said it will continue reviewing incident data, vehicle design, and consumer complaints as part of its evaluation.

About Tesla

Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles, energy storage products, and solar solutions. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company is a leading player in the global electric vehicle market and is known for its vertically integrated approach to automotive technology and software.

At the time of publishing, Stocks.News holds positions in Tesla as mentioned in the article.