Component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE
16 NHTSA complaints about latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch:emergency mechanical release issues across 7 makes and 9 models.
The latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid: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 16 filings from 7 manufacturers and 9 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, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the TESLA MODEL S with 5 filings, followed by TESLA MODEL Y and HYUNDAI SONATA. 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.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TESLA MODEL S | 5 |
| 2 | TESLA MODEL Y | 3 |
| 3 | HYUNDAI SONATA | 2 |
| 4 | VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE | 1 |
| 5 | SUBARU OUTBACK | 1 |
| 6 | HYUNDAI ACCENT | 1 |
| 7 | HONDA ACCORD | 1 |
| 8 | GENESIS G90 | 1 |
| 9 | CHRYSLER 300 | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the model year was advertised with a front trunk emergency release and interior lighting. The contact stated that after purchasing the ve
There is no safety frunk release to open the hood from inside if a child is trapped inside.
Description of the problem: The front trunk (âfrunkâ) of my 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper is missing the interior emergency release button and light. This component, which was present in earlier Mode
Emergency brake was engaged, the car lurched forward a significant distance, nearly causing an accident
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that upon attempting to open the trunk, the trunk failed to open. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local deale
The Trunk/Hatchback failed to open. When I attempted to use the EMERGENCY release ( which you would expect to work in a real emergency) IT DID NOT WORK!! The truck would not open. How can you have an
Rear trunk power lift gate would not open. There is an emergency release on rear lift gate if someone is stuck in the car. Emergency release doesn't work, pulled on it multiple times and it is jammed
Issue is with the rear hatch (trunk) latching mechanism. The rear trunk latch has partially disengaged but will not completely release and open the trunk. This is a safety concern because the emergenc
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to use the remote key fob to unlock the trunk, the trunk failed to release. The contact then stated that she attempted to
The trunk panel latch in this vehicle has failed due to a broken trunk latch pawl. The trunk will not open even when pushing the emergency trunk release latch inside the trunk. This failure presents t
The internal trunk release latch will not open the trunk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. - The trunk latch failed. It is available for in
The truck button has disintegrated twice now and needs a manufacturers recall.
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00B000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). While at the dealer the contact noted that the rear safety trunk latch does not r
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the battery was inadvertently drained, and the vehicle would not start. After recharging the battery, the vehicle
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated the trunk failed to close. The contact stated that he tied a cord on the trunk ledger and added a hook to keep it closed however, the trunk w
Trunk states it's open, but it's closed. I can't reset it. When I crawled into the area to use the safety pull cord to open it, nothing happened! Well, the pull cord broke. What if I'd been kidnapped
Related Vehicle Components
Learn More
Related Safety Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch:emergency mechanical release issues? ▼
How dangerous are latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch:emergency mechanical release defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch:emergency mechanical release problems? ▼
Where does PlainCars get its safety data? ▼
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.