NHTSA Rejects Tesla Model 3 Door Investigation
Published Date: 7/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) denied a request to investigate a safety issue with the emergency door release on 2022 Tesla Model 3 cars. After checking complaints and data, they decided the problem isn’t a safety defect but should be handled through future rule changes. Tesla owners won’t see any recalls or fixes right now, and no money or deadlines are affected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
NHTSA Will Start Door Egress Rulemaking
NHTSA received a petition on November 4, 2025 to develop a new FMVSS requiring a robust and obvious door egress system in all motor vehicles, and the agency has granted that request and will commence a rulemaking proceeding. Any decision to issue a rule will be made based on information developed in that rulemaking.
Petition Denied — No Defect Probe
NHTSA denied petition DP25-002 and will not open a defect investigation into the emergency mechanical door release on 2022 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. As of March 13, 2026, NHTSA reported one consumer complaint tied to one VIN out of a population of 179,031 subject vehicles, and the agency concluded no further investigation is warranted.
Current Standard Lacks Labeling Rules
NHTSA states that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 206 does not include requirements addressing the labeling or location of a mechanical door release in passenger vehicles. The agency noted that FMVSS 206 focuses on latch performance and structural integrity and contains no provisions about the Petitioner's concern.
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