Elon Musk's Tesla Faces NHTSA Probe Into Model 3 Emergency Door Release - Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)

Core Viewpoint - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla Model 3 vehicles due to concerns regarding emergency door release accessibility [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - Approximately 179,071 Tesla Model 3 sedans from the 2022 model year are under scrutiny [2]. - The investigation was prompted by a defect petition that criticized the mechanical door release design, which is described as "hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during an emergency" [3]. - Tesla's vehicles utilize electronic door latches operated by buttons, differing from traditional door handles [3]. Group 2: Broader Safety Concerns - This investigation is part of a wider examination of Tesla's safety features, including a previous probe into Model Y SUVs due to reports of children being trapped inside due to faulty electronic door handles [4]. - In October, U.S. senators called for an investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, citing potential safety risks at railroad crossings [5]. - Tesla is also facing a class action lawsuit regarding alleged misleading claims about its FSD system, highlighting ongoing challenges related to safety and technology claims [5].