Report says Elon Musk was alerted to possible Tesla door safety risks

Elon Musk was beforehand alerted to potential safety risks concerning the electric door handles on Tesla vehicles nearly a decade ago, according to a new report.

Bloomberg reported that during the development of the Tesla Model 3, some engineers pushed for traditional mechanical door handles. 

They warned that electric, screen-controlled systems could pose safety risks, particularly in emergencies. 

However, those concerns were reportedly dismissed by Musk, who favoured a more futuristic design.

The report links the door handle issue to at least 15 deaths across a dozen incidents in the United States over the past ten years. 

In several crashes, occupants or first responders were reportedly unable to open Tesla doors following fires or power failures.

Although Tesla vehicles include manual interior door releases, Bloomberg noted that these mechanisms are often poorly labelled and placed in locations such as door pockets. 

This can make them difficult to find or use, especially for children, older adults, or people with disabilities.

Notably, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has since opened a safety investigation into door handle concerns on the 2021 Tesla Model Y. 

The probe follows consumer complaints, including reports from parents who said they were unable to open doors to reach children when the vehicle’s battery power was low.