Tesla’s Door Issue May Prompt Stricter Regulations for All Automakers

Tesla’s electronic door handles, linked to multiple fatalities, may prompt stricter safety regulations across the automotive sector. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that while complaints regarding Tesla’s mechanical door release do not warrant a defect investigation, the issue is better suited for a comprehensive rulemaking process. This could lead to a requirement for a more robust and easily identifiable door egress system in all vehicles, should the proposal be finalized.

These electronic door handles, designed to be flush with the vehicle for aerodynamic efficiency, have been associated with incidents where individuals became trapped inside their cars. In some cases, passengers who survived the initial crash later suffered severe injuries or fatalities after being unable to escape from a burning vehicle.

Earlier this year, China prohibited electronic door handles due to safety concerns, and NHTSA is currently looking into cases where Tesla’s handles fail due to low-voltage battery issues. The recent notice follows a petition from Kevin Clouse, a Silicon Valley engineer, who requested a defect investigation after experiencing a door failure during a crash. Clouse described a harrowing incident where his 2022 Tesla Model 3 lost all electrical power and caught fire, rendering the electric door handles useless. He struggled to find the mechanical release and had to exit through a rear passenger window.

While NHTSA denied Clouse’s petition, it acknowledged the need for broader regulatory action. However, significant changes to the rules governing electronic door handles are not expected anytime soon. The rulemaking process typically spans two to five years, meaning any new regulations may not be implemented until 2030 or later. The automotive industry has a history of resisting new regulations that could increase costs, as seen with proposals for enhanced automatic emergency braking systems. Additionally, Congress has introduced legislation mandating manual door releases in new vehicles and ensuring first responders can access cars when power is lost.

Last year, Tesla announced plans to redesign its electronic door handles, though no timeline was provided. In a discussion with an outlet, Tesla’s design chief, Franz von Holzhausen, indicated that the company aims to make the handles more intuitive for users in emergency situations.

This news offers little solace to the families of those who have tragically lost their lives. Andrew McDevitt, representing families involved in two fatal Tesla incidents, urged NHTSA to expedite the rulemaking process to establish new federal safety standards to protect future vehicle occupants. “Since the launch of the Model S, Tesla has consistently received reports from consumers about doors trapping occupants in various scenarios, from parking lots to serious accidents,” McDevitt stated. “It’s difficult to comprehend how Tesla continues to justify the release of such dangerously designed vehicles. These families deserve justice, and we will continue to pursue their cases in court.”