NHTSA Declines Probe into Tesla Model 3 Door Latches

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially declined to open a defect investigation into Tesla Model 3 door latches, according to a decision published last week.

The agency dismissed a petition that alleged the emergency mechanical door release on approximately 180,000 Model 3 vehicles (MY 2022) could trap passengers in the event of a crash if power was lost.

The NHTSA stated that the petition did not provide sufficient evidence of a safety-related defect warranting an investigation, adding that the issue would be better addressed through an ongoing rulemaking process.

The agency’s decision follows heightened scrutiny of Tesla’s electronically operated door handles, which have been linked to several incidents where occupants reportedly struggled to exit vehicles after power loss.

While multiple fatalities have occurred in Tesla crashes, the NHTSA clarified that the specific issue of the Model 3’s manual release location was not identified as the cause of those deaths. Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The company has previously faced recalls related to headlight issues in the Model 3 and Model Y, which could blind oncoming drivers.