Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over Fatal Crash Linked to Door Handle Design
Tesla Inc. is confronting legal action following a fatal crash in Wisconsin involving a 2016 Model S. The lawsuit alleges that the vehicle's flush-mounted electronic door handles malfunctioned after the collision, trapping two passengers who initially survived the impact but later succumbed to fire-related injuries. Plaintiffs claim Tesla was aware of similar incidents involving battery fires and door mechanism failures yet failed to implement design changes.
The case spotlights growing safety concerns around Tesla's signature door handle system, which relies on electronic actuators rather than mechanical linkages. While federal regulators haven't issued recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has documented multiple complaints about post-crash egress challenges. The litigation could prompt reevaluation of minimalist automotive designs that prioritize aesthetics over fail-safe functionality.
