Story perspectives

NHTSA Investigates Tesla Model 3 Door Safety Risks

12/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into emergency door handles on about 179,071 2022 Tesla, Inc. Model 3s, which could prompt safety changes.
The probe follows a Georgia owner's report that a hidden, unlabeled door release trapped him during a fire.
NHTSA cites multiple incidents with door-access failures and at least 15 fatalities linked to the issue.
Tesla has not commented on the investigation.

History

Historical Context

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a long history of addressing vehicle safety, beginning with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. Despite improvements, traffic fatalities remained high, with over 33,000 deaths in 2014. The ongoing investigation into Tesla's Model 3 emergency door handle failures, linked to at least 15 deaths, highlights persistent safety concerns and may prompt significant regulatory changes in the automotive industry.

1 of 2

Story summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into emergency door handles on about 179,071 2022 Tesla, Inc. Model 3s, which could prompt safety changes.
The probe follows a Georgia owner's report that a hidden, unlabeled door release trapped him during a fire.
NHTSA cites multiple incidents with door-access failures and at least 15 fatalities linked to the issue.
Tesla has not commented on the investigation.

1 / 2