Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE

24 NHTSA complaints about latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch:emergency mechanical release issues across 8 makes and 11 models.

The latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch:emergency mechanical release is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 24 filings from 8 manufacturers and 11 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.

Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the TESLA MODEL 3 with 5 filings, followed by RIVIAN R1S and KIA CARNIVAL. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.

Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.

24
Complaints
11
Models Affected
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Deaths

Most Affected Vehicles

# Vehicle Complaints
1 TESLA MODEL 3 5
2 RIVIAN R1S 3
3 KIA CARNIVAL 3
4 TESLA MODEL S 2
5 LEXUS RX 2
6 LEXUS NX 2
7 HYUNDAI TUCSON 2
8 FORD F-150 2
9 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS 1
10 HYUNDAI SONATA 1
11 BMW X7 1

Recent Complaints

2026 RIVIAN R1S

The access to open the rear doors in case of a power failure is complex and not practical or safe.

2026 RIVIAN R1S

I would like to file a safety concern regarding the vehicles rear doors. The manual latch is covered by a strong piece of plastic that cannot be opened in a quick emergency. I am very worried as I dri

2021 TESLA MODEL 3

I am the owner of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 and am filing this complaint due to a significant safety concern: my vehicle does not have manual or mechanical releases for the rear doors; only electronic mech

2025 RIVIAN R1S

The rear doors cannot be opened in an emergency when electrical power is interrupted. Although the Rivian R1S generation 2 Owner's Manual has a process to open the door, the process could not be perf

2023 LEXUS RX

I entered then attempted to start my Lexus on November 11, 2025. The car would not start - the dashboard lights fleshed briefly, then the car was completely dead. There was not a light on anywhere.

2024 TESLA MODEL S

The design of the emergency opening (No power to normal opening system) of the rear passenger doors is flawed, unsafe and should never have been approved for production. This rear door emergency openi

2023 LEXUS NX

On [XXX] my Lexus would not start properly and then I heard noises which were associated with the battery closing down. This included locking all the doors. I was trapped in the car for 50-60 minute

2020 TESLA MODEL 3

Essentially, I find the lack of emergency, unpowered door release for the back doors a little concerning. There is no way to open the door in the event that all power to the door latch fails. Even i

2021 TESLA MODEL 3

While traveling over 230 miles from home on a road trip, my 2021 Tesla Model 3 suffered a complete and catastrophic failure. While in North Carolina, the vehicle became entirely unresponsive—doors w

2025 LEXUS RX

1) Electrical malfunction with warning of locking malfunction transiently appearing 2) Locked inside the car and the manual door release would not work after the above. 3) Finally got out after using

2024 BMW X7

The door lock actuator for the front driver door failed twice. The first time it failed, the car would not unlock from the outside. All other doors would unlock. I had my kids in the back of the car a

2021 TESLA MODEL 3

The Tesla model 3 has a manual release lever for each door in the front. The passenger side lever doesn't work, creating a safety issue if the car were to lose power then that door would not be able t

2025 LEXUS NX

On [XXX], I tried to move my vehicle from my driveway into the garage. The car would not start, and locked me inside the car. None of the electronics and electrically-operated functions worked -- th

2018 TESLA MODEL 3

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 incidenta

2016 TESLA MODEL S

The latches for the rear passenger doors of a Model S are electric and do not function in the event the vehicle loses electrical power from the 12v system. A mechanical release is provided in the rear

2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON

The driver's side rear door cannot be opened from either inside or outside. In researching the problem, I found evidence that the issue is commonly reported with the Model 2016 Hyundai Tucson, which I

2022 KIA CARNIVAL

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while opening the passenger-side sliding door, she placed mangos on the seat with the key fob and her cell phone in her hand. The contact

2014 HYUNDAI SONATA

Rear Driver Side door latch actuator assembly. Part failed and door cannot be opened even to change/repair the part. This is a major safety issue as the door cannot be opened by rear passengers.

2022 KIA CARNIVAL

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while her daughter was inside the vehicle, the door closed on her rib cage and arm, but medical attention was not provided. Additionally,

2017 FORD F-150

The door latches are still freezing open and closed so the doors will not open or close properly. Took it to the dealership and they said ford will not cover it because the latches are not part of the

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints involve latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch:emergency mechanical release issues?
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch:emergency mechanical release problems across 11 vehicle models from 8 manufacturers.
How dangerous are latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch:emergency mechanical release defects?
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE issues have been linked to 0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths according to NHTSA complaint data.
Which vehicles have the most latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch:emergency mechanical release problems?
The most complained-about vehicle for latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch:emergency mechanical release issues is the TESLA MODEL 3 with 5 complaints.
Where does PlainCars get its safety data?
All vehicle safety data comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database, which collects reports from vehicle owners about safety-related defects.

Data Sources

Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.

Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.

Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.

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