Following multiple notable incidents where vehicle doors remained jammed shut after crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun assessing whether new safety standards are required, based on Bloomberg reporting.
The move follows a petition questioning if doors on the 2022 Tesla Model 3 met existing federal requirements.
Tesla and Rivian have both stated plans to revise their door handle systems.

Before widespread electric vehicle production, door handles presented few issues for most buyers. A Honda Accord offered a straightforward pull mechanism, while premium models like the Mercedes G-Class delivered a solid click. Even the first Dodge Viper lacked exterior handles entirely.

Designers later prioritized minor aerodynamic gains from flush handles, introducing added complexity. Tesla pioneered the approach, prompting others to adopt similar designs that often require explaining entry procedures to passengers.

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

Many modern EVs, such as the Tesla Model 3, feature flush door handles.

While users adapt to the operation, the shift often replaces mechanical linkages with electronic systems that can introduce reliability concerns.

Public incidents have highlighted risks, with reports indicating up to fifteen fatalities in Tesla crashes where doors failed to open.

A petition urged the NHTSA to investigate emergency access on the 2022 Model 3 for potential noncompliance with standards.

Although the petition was denied, the agency is advancing development of broader occupant safety rules applicable to all manufacturers selling vehicles in the United States.

Andi Hedrick|Car and Driver

Separate NHTSA inquiries address entry difficulties, including cases involving children or elderly passengers. Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen noted ongoing revisions to handle designs last year.

New regulations would enhance safety, yet timelines for implementation and enforcement remain uncertain amid industry flux. The information-gathering phase preceding rule changes typically spans an extended period.

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Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroen 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels.