The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Tesla Model 3 vehicles due to potential issues with emergency door opening. According to Reuters, the regulator fears that mechanical handles may be poorly visible or difficult to access in emergency situations.
The investigation, which began on December 23, covers approximately 179,071 Tesla Model 3 vehicles from the 2022 model year. The reason was a defect statement claiming that the mechanical door opening mechanism is hidden, lacks clear markings, and is difficult to quickly locate in emergency conditions.
Most Tesla models use electronic locks that open with buttons, with mechanical elements only provided as a backup solution in the event of an accident or power outage. Experts have long pointed out that such mechanisms are not always intuitive, especially for rear-seat passengers.
Tesla has not immediately commented on the situation. At the same time, the regulator emphasizes that the start of the investigation does not in itself mean a mandatory recall of vehicles, but is the first stage of a review that could lead to further measures if safety risks are confirmed.
