Table 1 shows two common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Door Latch problems | |
| Doors Latch Emergency Mechanical Release problems |
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with electronic doors that released the latch when the door handle and/or a button located inside the vehicle's door was activated. The contact stated that the passenger side doors failed to release the latch when prompted. Tesla (52 derwood cir, rockville, MD 20850, (301) 738-6523) diagnosed that the rear latched needed to be replaced. The rear passenger door was repaired, but the front door was not. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 98,825.
In several accidents and fires in Model 3s it became apparent that when the electric door openers on the rear door fail the backup mechanical system is completely inadequate particularly for incidental passengers. Unlike the front seats which have a level to pull up to open the door the rear doors require a number of steps that are odd and certainly not obvious or intuitive leading to a very dangerous situation when a very fast exit is needed. The rear should have the same type of level to provide consistency for riders in an emergency situation. As someone who owns Tesla and uses many uber Tesla's in the back seat I have quired drivers who generally have no idea that the rear seat passengers could easily trapped in the car in an emergency and do not know how to open the doors from the inside. Please refer to this youtube video for a better understanding of this issue [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).