Tesla is Redesigning Its Door Handles Following Safety Probe, Bloomberg Investigation
Tesla is redesigning its door handles following safety probe, Bloomberg investigation reports, raising big questions about design, safety, and usability. Chief designer Franz von Holzhausen confirmed that the company is “working on” a new approach to prevent passengers from being trapped inside vehicles after crashes.
Image Credits:Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images
This announcement comes just a day after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a probe into Tesla’s door handles. The scrutiny follows a Bloomberg investigation highlighting cases where Tesla owners and passengers were unable to exit their cars due to malfunctioning electronic locks.
Why Tesla’s Door Handles Are Under Fire
Tesla’s sleek, flush door handles have long been considered a futuristic design choice. But regulators and safety experts now see them as a potential hazard.
One key issue is their reliance on electronic locks, which can fail if the battery system loses power. While Tesla vehicles include manual releases, they are often difficult for passengers to locate quickly—especially in emergencies.
Bloomberg Investigation and NHTSA Probe
According to Bloomberg, at least nine official complaints have been filed with NHTSA regarding failed Tesla door handles. Four of those cases involved passengers who were temporarily trapped.
Bloomberg’s reporting has amplified concerns, noting that China’s regulators are also reviewing fully concealed door handles due to similar safety risks. While no final regulatory action has been taken in China, the pressure is mounting globally.
Tesla’s Redesign Plans
Von Holzhausen explained that Tesla is working on a solution that blends both electronic and manual mechanisms into a single, more intuitive button.
“The idea of combining the electronic one and the manual one together into one button makes a lot of sense,” he told Bloomberg. This design shift would make emergency exits easier while keeping the modern aesthetic that Tesla is known for.
What This Means for Tesla Owners
For Tesla drivers, the redesign could bring peace of mind. While failures have been rare compared to the number of Teslas on the road, the consequences in emergencies can be serious. A redesign could ensure better safety compliance and reduce regulatory pressure.
More importantly, it reflects Tesla’s ongoing balancing act between futuristic design and real-world safety.
Tesla is redesigning its door handles following safety probe, Bloomberg investigation confirms, signaling a pivotal shift in how automakers approach both innovation and safety. With regulators keeping a close eye, Tesla’s response could set a precedent for the entire industry.
For now, all eyes are on Tesla’s next move—how quickly the redesign rolls out, and whether it satisfies safety concerns without compromising the brand’s signature look.
