Particle.news
Download on the App Store

NHTSA Opens Defect Probe Into 2022 Tesla Model 3 Emergency Door Release

The review follows a petition alleging the mechanical backup handle is hidden.

Overview

  • The Office of Defects Investigation opened the case on Dec. 24 after receiving a defect petition on Dec. 23.
  • The petition claims the mechanical emergency door-release is hard to locate and lacks clear labeling.
  • About 179,071 units of the 2022 Model 3 are included in the investigation.
  • Regulators are evaluating whether the design could impede rapid egress in an emergency.
  • The investigation is not a recall, and Tesla has not responded to requests for comment.