Tesla owners are increasingly acquiring emergency tools to ensure safe egress from their electric vehicles, driven by concerns over potential door malfunctions. This proactive measure comes amid reports of electric doors failing, particularly when a vehicle loses power, raising significant safety questions for drivers and passengers alike. The issue highlights a growing apprehension among a segment of the EV community regarding emergency escape protocols.
One stark incident involved Erin Geter, a Tesla owner whose son became trapped inside her vehicle when its electric doors lost power. Unable to open the doors to free her child, the experience prompted Geter to replace her Tesla with a Honda CR-V, citing its traditional mechanical door handles as a critical safety feature. This personal account underscores the real-world implications of reliant electronic door systems in critical situations.
In response to these anxieties, many Tesla drivers are now equipping themselves and educating passengers on emergency escape methods. Some are purchasing glass breakers to smash windows if trapped, while rideshare operators using Teslas are reportedly providing “safety orientations” to passengers, demonstrating how to access the vehicles’ hidden manual door latches. This demonstrates a clear shift towards self-reliance in addressing perceived safety gaps.
The demand for emergency solutions has spurred a niche market, with e-commerce platforms offering third-party accessories designed to facilitate easier access to manual door releases. Additionally, online content creators on platforms like YouTube and Reddit are publishing guides and videos, instructing owners on how to install these modifications and familiarise themselves with emergency procedures. This community-driven response reflects the urgency felt by many owners.
The problem extends beyond individual anecdotes, with U.S. auto safety regulators receiving over 140 complaints since 2018 regarding electric car doors, not exclusively from Tesla vehicles, that were either stuck or malfunctioning. A Bloomberg News report indicated that these malfunctions frequently occurred following vehicular crashes, exacerbating the danger when occupants might be disoriented or injured. This broader context suggests an industry-wide challenge with advanced door systems.
Acknowledging the concerns, Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, indicated in a September podcast appearance that the company is actively redesigning its doors. The objective is to simplify and expedite the escape process in a “panic situation,” with plans to integrate both electronic and manual release mechanisms into a single, more intuitive button. This suggests a recognition by the manufacturer of the need for improved emergency access.
This redesign marks a significant shift for Tesla, a company that pioneered and popularized the sleek, flush door handle design, which integrates electronic functionality. While aesthetically pleasing, the reliance on electronic power means these doors can become inoperable without electricity, presenting a critical safety challenge during power outages or system failures. The company now faces the task of balancing design innovation with essential safety features.
Chad Lincoln, an Uber driver in Tennessee, highlighted the immediate impact of these design choices on professional drivers. After renting a 2022 Tesla Model 3 for work, he felt compelled to provide a “flight attendant’s pitch” to every passenger, detailing how to locate and operate the manual emergency release strap. Lincoln emphasized his serious commitment to passenger safety, underscoring the critical nature of easily accessible escape mechanisms.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated that a product failing to provide occupants with a reasonable means of exiting their vehicles could constitute grounds for a safety recall. This regulatory stance places a clear onus on manufacturers to ensure robust emergency egress systems, hinting at potential future actions if the issue is not adequately addressed. The agency’s position adds weight to the ongoing concerns.
