As the year 2025 draws to a close on an ominous note for Tesla’s Austin plant, questions arise about the company’s reliance on fully digital interfaces in its vehicles. The Model 3’s doors open via electric buttons rather than traditional mechanical handles. When power fails or during emergencies like crashes, these buttons become inactive.

But when you’re stuck inside a car with no electricity and need to get out fast, every second counts. Tesla’s manual release systems are hidden away in inconspicuous places that drivers likely wouldn’t think about under normal circumstances. At the front of the vehicle, it’s a latch near the window buttons, which must be pulled upwards. In the rear, owners might have to dig through door pockets or lift up rubber mats to find cables.

But here’s where things get tricky: The NHTSA believes these manual release methods are too well hidden and not clearly marked. They don’t think drivers would know how to open doors when they need it most, which could put lives at risk during emergencies.

The investigation comes as part of a string of safety issues that have plagued Tesla in recent years. This latest probe highlights the challenges automakers face while designing cars with cutting-edge technology but ensuring user-friendliness and reliability during critical moments.

This investigation raises important questions about how much we rely on technology in our daily lives—especially when it comes to safety features that could save us during emergencies. As car makers push boundaries with new tech, they need to balance innovation with practicality for the everyday driver.

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