What Happens When Electric Door Handles Fail in a Crash?
Picture this: a car crash, smoke billowing, and a firefighter racing to help. But when he gets to the car—a Tesla Model Y—the doors won’t open, not because they’re mangled, but because the battery is dead. The electric door handles, designed to look sleek and futuristic, are now a barrier. The result? Occupants trapped inside, even when fully conscious and desperate to escape.
This isn’t just a hypothetical. It’s happened, and not just with Teslas. When a car’s low-voltage battery fails—whether from a collision, fire, or just a fluke—those fancy flush handles and electric poppers become useless. Even if the car itself is structurally intact, a dead electrical system can turn a minor accident into a life-threatening situation.
Are Other Brands Facing the Same Safety Risks?
Tesla might have popularized the flush, power-operated handle, but they’re far from alone. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, the Nissan Leaf, Kia EV6, and even luxury brands have jumped on the bandwagon. The appeal is obvious: these handles look cool, shave off a bit of aerodynamic drag, and scream “next-gen.” But the downside? When the battery dies, so does your easy exit.
Ford recently recalled thousands of Mustang Mach-Es over handle defects. Fisker’s Ocean SUV ran into similar trouble before the company folded. And in a chilling case, a Rivian R1S owner was trapped inside her SUV for 45 minutes as smoke filled the cabin—she had to call 911 to get out. The issue isn’t new, either. Back in 2015, a 72-year-old man and his dog died in a Chevrolet Corvette after being trapped inside when the battery died. The manual release was just inches away, but he didn’t know it was there.
Why Don’t More People Know About Manual Door Releases?
Here’s the kicker: most cars with electric handles do have a manual release. It’s usually hidden somewhere near the seat or under the window switches. But in a panic—or if you’re incapacitated after a crash—finding and using it isn’t always straightforward. Many drivers simply don’t know it exists, or they forget about it in the heat of the moment.
In the case of the Tesla Model Y fire, the front passenger was pinned by airbags and couldn’t reach the manual release. She survived, but with life-altering injuries. Her story is a stark reminder that knowing where your car’s manual release is—and how to use it—can be the difference between life and death.
Are Governments Taking Action on Electric Door Handle Safety?
Some regulators are starting to take notice. China, one of the world’s largest car markets, is reportedly considering a ban on flush door handles unless they include at least partially exposed exterior handles and accessible manual releases inside. If that happens, it could set a new global standard, since automakers rarely want to build different versions of the same car for different markets.
There’s also a growing push for clearer labeling and better education. Should governments mandate intuitive manual door handles, just like they do with turn signal stalks? The debate is heating up, and for good reason.
What Can Drivers Do Right Now to Stay Safe?
If your car has electric door handles, take five minutes to learn where the manual release is. Show your family, too. It’s not paranoia—it’s preparation. Keep your owner’s manual handy, and maybe even put a small sticker or tag near the release as a reminder.
Rescue professionals also recommend carrying a simple glass-breaking tool in your glovebox or door pocket. It’s a low-tech backup if all else fails.
How Can Automakers Design for Both Style and Safety?
It’s clear that design choices can have deadly consequences. While mechanical latches can fail, electric ones add another layer of complexity, especially in emergencies. The challenge for automakers is to balance aesthetics and aerodynamics with real-world usability. Some brands are experimenting with hybrid designs—handles that sit flush but pop out mechanically if power is lost.
There’s also room for smarter tech: illuminated manual releases, clearer instructions, and even automated systems that unlock doors in a crash, regardless of battery status. But until those features become standard, awareness is your best defense.
The big takeaway? Electric door handles aren’t about perfection—they’re about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week: find your manual release, practice using it, and make sure your loved ones know how it works. You’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end—and it could save a life.