ISTANBUL
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into concerns that the emergency door release mechanism in Tesla Model 3 vehicles is not easily accessible and clearly identifiable, a statement by the agency said on Wednesday.
The investigation, launched on Tuesday, covers an estimated 179,710 Tesla Model 3 vehicles from the 2022 model year, the statement noted.
The Office of Defects Investigation received a defect petition on Nov. 24, alleging that the mechanical door release mechanism is hidden, unlabeled, and difficult to locate intuitively in an emergency, it added.
The statement also noted that the investigation process had been initiated to evaluate the matter and decide whether to accept the complaint.