US Launches Investigation into Tesla Model 3 Door Release Issue
Dec 24, 2025
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started an investigation into around 179,000 Tesla Model 3 sedans from the 2022 model year. The probe was launched after a petition raised concerns about the cars’ door releases.
According to the petition, the Model 3's mechanical door release—used to open the doors in an emergency—is hidden, has no label, and is difficult to find. This could make it hard for occupants to exit the vehicle quickly if needed.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation will review the issue to determine whether these vehicles have a safety defect.
Why is the NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 cars?
A petition claimed the mechanical door release is hidden and unlabeled, making it hard to find in emergencies.
How many Tesla vehicles are affected?
About 179,000 Model 3 sedans from the 2022 model year are included in the investigation.
What could happen as a result of this investigation?
If the NHTSA finds a safety defect, Tesla may be required to issue a recall or fix the problem.
Sources
US opens defect petition into about 180,000 Tesla vehicles over door releases
Reuters
Reuters
The U.S. auto safety regulator on Wednesday said it has opened a defect petition on 179,071 Tesla Model 3 compact sedans over hidden, unlabeled mechanical door releases.
Tesla Stock Drops as U.S. Auto Regulator Probes Alleged Model 3 Door Defects
Barrons
Barrons
A petition alleges the 2022 Tesla Model 3 door release is hard to locate during emergencies.
Tesla is facing fresh government scrutiny over its controversial doors
Market Watch
Market Watch
Tesla's Model 3 sedan is the focus of the latest regulatory investigation into the Austin, Texas-based electric-vehicle maker.
Tesla Under Investigation by U.S. Regulator for Model 3 Door Release Defects
WSJ
WSJ
The Office of Defects Investigation at the NHTSA opened the investigation Wednesday after receiving a petition in late November. The office said the issue is estimated to affect more than 179,000 cars.
Tesla Model 3 sedans face federal investigation over possible door release defec...
New York Post
New York Post
The investigation was opened on Tuesday after the agency received a defect petition alleging that the vehicles' mechanical door release is hidden, unlabeled and not intuitive to locate during emergencies.
Tesla Faces New Door Handle Probe
Bloomberg Technology
Bloomberg Technology
Tesla is facing a new US government probe over the door handles of its Model 3 sedans, people familiar with the matter tell Bloomberg. Steve Westly, a former Tesla board member and managing partner of The Westly Group, speaks with Katie Greifeld on “Bloomberg Tech.
Tesla Under Scrutiny Due to Model 3 Door Release Concerns
Zacks Investment Research
Zacks Investment Research
TSLA faces an NHTSA probe into Model 3 door releases, with claims that emergency controls are hidden, unlabeled, and difficult to find in critical situations.
Tesla Faces New Door Handle Probe
Bloomberg Markets and Finance
Bloomberg Markets and Finance
Tesla is facing a new US government probe over the door handles of its Model 3 sedans, people familiar with the matter tell Bloomberg. Steve Westly, a former Tesla board member and managing partner of The Westly Group, speaks with Katie Greifeld on "Bloomberg Tech.
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