Investigations
Emergency egress controls are not readily accessible and clearly identifiable.
NHTSA Defect Petition DP25002 — open, opened 2025-12-23 and involving the TESLA MODEL 3.
NHTSA investigation DP25002 is a Defect Petition opened on 2025-12-23 and currently open. The subject of record is TESLA MODEL 3, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for TESLA. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2025-12-23 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Defect Petition like DP25002 starts when a person or group formally asks NHTSA to investigate a specific alleged defect. Petitioners submit evidence, NHTSA reviews it within 120 days, and either grants the petition (opening a PE) or denies it with a written explanation in the Federal Register.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on November 24, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into the mechanical door release on model year (MY) 2022 Tesla Model 3. The petition cites allegations..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related TESLA files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on November 24, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into the mechanical door release on model year (MY) 2022 Tesla Model 3. The petition cites allegations that the mechanical door release is hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during an emergency. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11698174. A defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.
About This Investigation Type
A Defect Petition (DP) is initiated when an individual or organization formally petitions NHTSA to investigate a potential safety defect. NHTSA reviews the petition and decides whether to open an investigation.
Other TESLA Investigations
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Electronic door handles become inoperative
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.