Tesla Plans Door Handle Redesign Amid NHTSA Investigation

Why the Redesign Matters

Currently, Tesla vehicles can be opened from the inside in two ways:

1. Electronic Button (Primary Method) – the recommended option for everyday use.

2. Mechanical Emergency Release – a backup release, meant only for emergencies.

While the driver and front passenger have easy access to the emergency release, rear passengers must locate it under a cover in the door pocket — a design many find unintuitive.

Tesla made improvements back in 2022 by redesigning the rear emergency release, but Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen revealed in an interview with Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit podcast that the next step is much bigger: combining both the electronic and manual release into a single, simplified button.=

“The idea of combining the electronic one and the manual one together into one button makes a lot of sense,” von Holzhausen explained. “We’re working on that to make exits easier, especially in panic situations.”

Safety Concerns Prompt Federal Probe

Tesla’s redesign announcement comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal probe into approximately 174,000 Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year.

The investigation follows nine consumer complaints alleging that Tesla doors failed to open after power loss, sometimes trapping children inside. In several cases, owners reported smashing windows to escape when electronic handles stopped functioning.

According to NHTSA, regulators will evaluate whether Tesla’s current locking and latching systems are reliable enough in emergencies.

Testing in China, But No Timeline Yet

Like many Tesla innovations, the updated design is already being studied in China, though von Holzhausen did not provide a timeline for production. He emphasized, however, that Tesla is committed to delivering a solution that improves usability and safety for all passengers.

What This Means for Tesla Owners and Shoppers

While this redesign is still under development, the NHTSA investigation has raised awareness of Tesla’s door handle system. For current owners, it highlights the importance of knowing how to use the manual release properly. For potential buyers — including those considering a used Tesla — it’s a reminder to stay informed about recalls, safety updates, and design changes that could affect the ownership experience.

Tesla vehicles continue to attract buyers with their advanced technology and strong resale value, but safety innovations like this door handle redesign will be critical to maintaining consumer trust in both the new and used Tesla market.

Final Thoughts

Tesla’s push to merge electronic and manual door releases into a single control reflects the company’s broader approach: blending cutting-edge tech with practical safety features. With federal regulators scrutinizing the issue and Tesla actively working on a fix, drivers can expect improvements aimed at reducing risks and simplifying emergency exits.

For anyone shopping for a used Tesla, staying updated on safety recalls and upcoming design improvements is an essential part of making an informed purchase.

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source:drivetesla canada