Tesla has agreed to redesign its door handles in order to make it easier to escape
Published on Sep 22, 2025 at 8:35 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Sep 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Tesla is redesigning its door handles so drivers and passengers can more easily escape in the case of an emergency.
Earlier this month, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the automaker’s electrically powered doors to see if they posed a safety risk.
That investigation was launched following reports of owners being unable to get out of their vehicles when there was no electrical power.
According to Bloomberg, the NHTSA has received 140 complaints about Tesla doors becoming stuck since 2018, so it’s no small issue.
DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Tesla is redesigning its door handles
Tesla was one of the first carmakers to introduce motorized flush door handles.
Currently, Tesla vehicles do have a mechanical backup system in the cabin, but its location varies by model, and it can be hard to find.
It could also be more difficult for backseat passengers and children to operate.
“Although Tesla vehicles have manual door releases inside of the cabin, in these situations, a child may not be able to access or operate the releases even if the vehicle’s driver is aware of them,” the NHTSA said.
Shortly after the investigation was launched, Tesla said it was working on a redesign for its door handles.
Design boss Franz von Holzhausen told Bloomberg that the new design would combine the electronic and manual door-release mechanisms into one button.
“The idea of combining the electronic one and the manual one together into one button, I think, makes a lot of sense,” he told Bloomberg.
“That’s something that we’re working on.”
Von Holzhausen didn’t tell Bloomberg what had prompted the redesign, but said the carmaker is currently looking into the potential change in China, and is ready to make any necessary changes to the handles.
China is considering a ban on retractable door handles
Flush retractable door handles have popped up on more and more cars in recent years, but that could all be set to change in China.
According to a report in Car News China, discussions are already underway regarding new rules that would outlaw fully retractable door handles.
Traditional and semi-retractable door handles would still be allowed, but must include a mechanical backup that means doors can be easily opened in emergency situations.
The report went on to suggest that a draft proposal could be drawn up by the end of this month and could have a potentially huge impact on the industry.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
