The U.S. automobile safety regulatory agency stated on Wednesday that it had launched a defect investigation into $Tesla (TSLA.US)$ Tesla Model 3 due to concerns that the vehicle's emergency door release mechanism might be difficult to access and its labeling unclear during emergencies.
The Office of Defects Investigation under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) pointed out that this investigation involves approximately 179,071 units of the 2022 model year. The investigation was officially launched on December 23, following the receipt of a defect complaint alleging that the mechanical door-opening mechanism in the vehicles in question is not only concealed in design and lacks clear markings but is also difficult to locate and operate quickly during emergencies.
To date, Tesla has not responded to this matter.
It is reported that Tesla's vehicle models predominantly use electronic door latch systems, requiring button operation for door opening instead of traditional mechanical handles. Although the vehicles are equipped with manual door-opening mechanisms for emergency scenarios or power failure situations, experts have long noted that the visibility, clarity of labeling, and operational convenience of this mechanical device are insufficient, with rear-seat passengers being particularly affected.
Just last month, Tesla faced a lawsuit stemming from a severe accident. In a Tesla Model S fire incident in Wisconsin, all five occupants inside the vehicle perished. The cause of the accident is reportedly attributed to a design flaw preventing the doors from opening, leaving the occupants trapped inside the vehicle.
Additionally, in November last year, a collision and fire involving a Cybertruck occurred in the suburbs of San Francisco, resulting in the deaths of two college students. Their families also filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that a design defect in the Cybertruck’s door handles caused the two students to become trapped in the burning vehicle.
It is important to emphasize that the acceptance of a defect complaint does not equate to the regulatory body issuing a recall order, but it signifies the formal initiation of a regulatory review process. If a safety-related defect is verified, subsequent regulatory measures may be triggered.
Notably, in September this year, NHTSA announced the initiation of a preliminary assessment of approximately 174,290 Model Y vehicles after receiving consecutive reports of malfunctioning electronic door handles.
Editor/Doris