A new federal investigation into Tesla's Model 3 has been initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following serious allegations regarding the vehicle's door handle design. This inquiry comes after a troubling complaint from a Georgia owner who described a harrowing experience during a collision that left his vehicle engulfed in flames and without electrical power.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, reportedly knew about potential issues with the electronic door releases used in the Model 3, despite engineers advising against their implementation during the vehicle's development. These electronic handles depend on a 12-volt battery, which can fail in crashes, leading to critical safety concerns. To mitigate risks, a manual release was included; however, its location and lack of markings have left passengers in emergency situations unaware of how to escape.
The NHTSA's probe was sparked by a letter detailing the incident, where the owner, Kevin Clouse, had to break a window to escape after sustaining severe injuries, including a hip replacement. This investigation adds to a troubling narrative for Tesla as the company faces scrutiny over safety practices while sales figures have seen a decline amid challenging market conditions.