Dec 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. auto safety regulator said on Wednesday it has opened a defect investigation into Tesla Model 3 compact sedans over concerns that emergency door release controls may not be easily accessible or clearly identifiable in an emergency.
The Office of Defects Investigation said the probe covers an estimated 179,071 model year 2022 vehicles.
The investigation was opened on December 23 after the agency received a defect petition alleging that the vehicles’ mechanical door release is hidden, unlabeled and not intuitive to locate during emergencies.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The opening of a defect petition does not mean a recall will be issued, but it marks the first step in a regulatory review process that could lead to further action if safety-related defects are confirmed.

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The U.S. auto safety regulator has initiated a defect investigation into Tesla Model 3 sedans (model year 2022) over concerns about the accessibility and identification of emergency door release controls. The probe covers approximately 179,071 vehicles and was prompted by a defect petition. Tesla has not commented on the matter. The investigation is the first step in a regulatory review process that could lead to further action if safety defects are confirmed.

- The U.S. auto safety regulator has opened a defect investigation into approximately 179,071 Tesla Model 3 vehicles from the 2022 model year.  
- The investigation was initiated following a defect petition claiming that the mechanical door release controls are hidden and difficult to identify during emergencies.  
- While the opening of the investigation does not guarantee a recall, it begins a regulatory review that may lead to additional actions if safety defects are confirmed.

US auto safety agency probes Tesla Model 3 emergency door release