Tesla Door Safety Failures Tied to At Least 15 Fatal Crashes — Could There Be a Lawsuit?

A recent Bloomberg investigation found that at least 15 people have died in traffic crashes where Tesla vehicle doors failed to open after impact, trapping occupants inside burning or wrecked vehicles.

These tragic incidents — involving situations where passengers or first responders are unable to open power-operated doors following a crash — have triggered growing concern among safety advocates and federal regulators. In September 2025, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially opened a safety probe into potential defects in Tesla door mechanisms after hundreds of consumer complaints.

If you or a loved one was injured — or someone was killed — in a collision involving a Tesla that failed to open its doors, you may be entitled to compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is actively evaluating potential claims related to Tesla door malfunctions nationwide.

What Happened in These Tesla Crashes?

According to the Bloomberg analysis, there have been at least 12 serious incidents over the past decade in which Tesla occupants died after their doors would not open following a crash.

In one dramatic case, a Virginia state trooper resorted to smashing out a window to rescue a Tesla driver from a burning Model Y after its doors failed to open normally — a scene that highlights how door malfunctions can dramatically delay emergency rescue efforts.

Because electric door handles and powered release mechanisms can lose functionality when a vehicle’s battery or electrical system is damaged in a crash, passengers and first responders may face critical delays when trying to escape or assist. This risk is especially pronounced in fiery crashes or situations where quick egress could save lives.

Why Tesla Door Issues Matter

Tesla popularized flush-mounted and electronically powered door handles, a design now seen on many other electric vehicles. The concept is marketed as sleek and aerodynamic, but when power is lost due to a collision, the electronic release may not function properly, according to safety reports and consumer complaints.

Federal regulators have acknowledged concerns about electric door handles. The NHTSA investigation specifically targets whether certain Tesla Model Y vehicles’ doors can prevent occupants — including children — from escaping after a crash once the battery loses power or electronic systems fail.

Who Could Have a Tesla Door Lawsuit?

Families may have legal claims if:

• A Tesla door failed to open after a collision,
• A loved one was seriously injured or killed because of this failure, or
• Emergency responders were delayed or hindered in getting people out of the vehicle.

Potential legal theories include:

• Product Liability: If the door design or electrical system was defectively designed or manufactured.
• Negligence: If Tesla failed to warn drivers about known safety risks or delayed necessary safety fixes.
• Failure to Warn: If consumers were not adequately informed about emergency door operation procedures.

In some cases, litigation has already been filed by families alleging that Tesla’s door designs trapped occupants inside vehicles after impacts, especially when the electric systems were compromised.  

Symptoms of Door Malfunction and Crash Aftermath

Door malfunctions in a crash can lead to:

• Delayed exit from a dangerous vehicle,
• Exposure to fire or smoke inhalation,
• Increased severity of injuries, or
• Fatal outcomes when rapid escape is critical.

Unfortunately, Bloomberg reported that more than half of the door-related deaths in its analysis occurred since late 2024, indicating a growing trend in these catastrophic incidents.  

What You Should Do if Your Tesla Didn’t Open After a Crash

If your vehicle’s doors failed during a crash or if a loved one was harmed because of a door malfunction:

1. Seek medical attention immediately for injuries.
2. Preserve evidence, including police reports, photos, videos, and witness statements.
3. Contact the NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
4. Reach out to experienced product liability attorneys to protect your legal rights.

Free Case Review — How Parker Waichman LLP Can Help

If someone you care about was injured or killed in a crash where Tesla doors failed to open, the legal team at Parker Waichman LLP is here to help.

Our attorneys are investigating whether Tesla knew — or should have known — about potential door safety defects and whether consumers were put at unreasonable risk because of this design. We have helped families secure billions in compensation for victims of defective products and corporate negligence.

📞 Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free, confidential consultation.
💻 Visit www.yourlawyer.com to learn more and start your case review online.

Don’t wait — time limits may apply to your claim.