Tesla(US:TSLA) Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-11-04 16:25Core Viewpoint - Tesla is facing lawsuits and investigations in the U.S. due to safety concerns related to its hidden door handle design, which may have contributed to a fatal accident where passengers were trapped in a burning vehicle [1][5]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - A lawsuit was filed on October 31 in Wisconsin regarding a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S, where five passengers died after being trapped in the vehicle during a fire [2][3]. - The lawsuit claims that the electronic door locking system failed after the collision, preventing the passengers from escaping [3]. - The plaintiffs argue that Tesla was aware of the potential risks associated with its design choices but failed to implement known safety practices [3][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Investigations - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's hidden door handle design following multiple complaints from owners about the door handles failing due to low-voltage battery issues [6][7]. - NHTSA has received 16 complaints regarding the 2021 Tesla Model Y, indicating that the door handles can become inoperative after a collision [6]. - Tesla is required to submit records related to the door system design and customer complaints by December 10, with potential fines for non-compliance [7]. Group 3: Industry Response - Tesla's design chief has indicated that the company plans to change the door handle design in response to the safety concerns raised [8]. - Competitors, including Rivian, are also reconsidering their hidden door handle designs, emphasizing that functionality should take precedence over aesthetics based on customer feedback [10].