A proposed class action lawsuit claims that Tesla Model S vehicles from 2023 onward have defective door handles that fail to open during power loss, posing safety risks. The suit argues the design traps occupants, especially in the rear seats, and that Tesla has not addressed complaints or warned consumers. It seeks to represent California residents who own or lease these models.
A 36-page class action lawsuit filed against Tesla alleges that the flush-mounted electronic door handles on 2023-present Model S vehicles are defectively designed. According to the complaint, these handles cannot be opened if the car's high-voltage battery loses power, such as during a collision or emergency shutdown. This affects both exterior and interior doors, rendering the vehicle "not reasonably escapable and not reasonably rescuable," the suit states.
The filing highlights particular dangers for rear passengers. While front interior doors have a readily accessible manual emergency release, rear doors require folding back the carpet below the seats to access a mechanical release cable. The lawsuit describes this cable as "not reasonably discoverable or usable by an average occupant under emergency conditions," noting that users would need to be "intimately familiar" with the design to find it. It adds that even if the cable is pulled, there may be no quick way to enter from outside without breaking windows in a power failure.
The suit points to numerous driver complaints about occupants becoming trapped but claims Tesla has taken no action to fix the design, prevent the issue, or warn buyers at purchase or lease. Instead, Tesla allegedly concealed the defect, failing to disclose it through advertising, stickers, or recalls. This misrepresentation, the complaint argues, has led consumers to pay more for vehicles worth less due to the safety risks, which are heightened for children, the elderly, pets, and those with disabilities.
The case, published on February 17, 2026, seeks to represent California residents who purchased and still own, or leased, 2023-2026 model year Tesla Model S vehicles. No immediate actions are required to join, as class members would receive notice if a settlement occurs.
