Tesla door handles may trigger new U.S. safety rules

U.S. auto safety regulators are considering new rules that could require Tesla and other automakers to ensure their vehicles have emergency door releases that are easy to find and use, even after a crash. The move follows reports of people being trapped inside electric cars with flush door handles, including several fatal incidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it will open a formal rule-making process to evaluate whether current standards for door locks and latches are adequate. The agency noted that some modern designs, such as Tesla’s hidden door handles, may not work properly after a collision or when the car loses power, making it difficult for occupants to escape.

NHTSA’s action was prompted by a petition from a Tesla owner whose child was briefly trapped in a Model Y after the 12-volt battery died. The petition cited at least five deaths in Tesla vehicles where occupants could not get out. The agency said it will also examine whether mechanical releases should be required in addition to electronic ones.

Tesla has previously added a manual release cable in some models, but critics say it is not clearly labeled or easy to reach. The rule-making process could lead to new federal standards within two years, affecting not just Tesla but any automaker using similar door designs. NHTSA is accepting public comments for 60 days before drafting any proposal.