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].

Core Insights - Tesla has popularized complex door designs that have not necessarily been requested by consumers, leading to confusion and potential safety risks [1][2] - The shift from simple latches to more complicated mechanisms, including flush handles and electrically powered latches, has been adopted by various manufacturers, raising concerns about usability [2][6] - There are significant safety concerns regarding electric vehicles, particularly in crash scenarios where occupants may struggle to exit due to power loss affecting door functionality [3][4] Industry Response - Tesla is reportedly working on making their door designs more intuitive and safer, acknowledging the issues raised by recent reports [6][7] - Other manufacturers, including Ford, have begun to respond to these concerns, with recalls and design changes being implemented [7] - Regulatory bodies in China and Europe are taking a closer look at these door designs, with potential bans on flush door handles being considered due to safety incidents [7][9] Regulatory Actions - Following initial reports, a defect investigation into Tesla Model Y has been opened, which may expand to include other models [8] - In China, regulators are actively seeking feedback from manufacturers regarding the potential ban on criticized door designs, influenced by fatal incidents involving competitors [9]

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is re-evaluating its door handle design to incorporate more manual controls for emergency situations, following safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny [1][2][3][4] Group 1: Design Changes - Tesla's chief designer announced plans to combine electronic and manual door controls into a single button for easier access during emergencies [1] - The company is responding to complaints about the difficulty of using manual door releases in emergencies, which have been reported by owners [3][4] Group 2: Regulatory Scrutiny - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla due to multiple complaints from parents about children being trapped in the Model Y SUV when electronic door controls failed [2] - Chinese regulators are also considering a ban on flush or concealed door handles, prompting Tesla to study the proposed legislation [3] Group 3: Safety Incidents - A Bloomberg report highlighted incidents where Tesla's complex door design hindered evacuation during emergencies, raising safety concerns [4] - Tesla's board has acknowledged these safety issues and emphasized that the vehicles are equipped with a manual override for power failures [4]