Tesla hit with another lawsuit over 'defective' door handles

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is facing a class-action lawsuit regarding the failure of its electronically powered door handles in the Model S, highlighting ongoing safety concerns and potential design flaws in its vehicles [1][2][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The class-action lawsuit was filed in Florida by a Tesla owner, representing those who purchased or leased a 2014-2016 Model S, alleging that the flush door handles routinely fail after a few years of use [1][2]. - The complaint states that three out of four door handles on the plaintiff's 2015 Model S had failed by 2022, creating significant inconvenience and safety risks [3]. - The lawsuit claims that Tesla was aware or should have been aware of the defective handles, as evidenced by the redesign of door handles in post-2016 Model S vehicles [4]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - The electronically powered door handles can become inoperable if the vehicle's low-voltage battery dies, potentially trapping passengers inside during emergencies [5]. - Recent lawsuits have been filed related to fatalities where victims were trapped inside vehicles due to door handle failures, including incidents involving a Cybertruck and a Model S [6]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports of children being trapped inside Model Y vehicles due to door handle failures [7]. Group 3: Company Response and Industry Implications - Tesla's vehicles do have manual door releases, but critics argue these are not easily accessible in emergencies, prompting the company to redesign door handles for better manual control visibility [8]. - A recent safety page on Tesla's website states that doors will automatically unlock for emergency access, but notes that certain safety features may not be available based on the vehicle's build date [9].