Tesla is facing mounting pressure to redesign the hidden door handles on its electric vehicles after safety concerns linked to trapped passengers during fires. The company’s distinctive flush door handles, which contribute to the sleek design of its cars, have been implicated in several fatal incidents where occupants were reportedly unable to exit burning vehicles.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced plans to develop new regulations aimed at ensuring more reliable and accessible door egress systems in motor vehicles. The agency indicated it would seek input on potential safety standards but has yet to make any final decisions. This move follows reports of at least 15 deaths associated with Tesla vehicles where electronic door release mechanisms allegedly failed due to power interruptions during crashes.

Tesla’s approach includes flush-mounted door handles that electronically open the doors, replacing traditional manual latches. Inside some models, the door is opened via an electronic button rather than a physical handle. In cases where the power is lost, drivers are expected to locate a hidden manual release pulley concealed in the door pocket, a system that critics allege is not intuitive enough during emergencies.

In response to concerns, Tesla has acknowledged the need for improvements. Last year, the company announced plans to redesign the door handles to enhance usability, especially in panic situations. Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer, told Bloomberg the company was working on making the handles easier to operate when occupants need to exit under duress.

The issue has drawn international regulatory attention. China became the first country to ban concealed door handles following these safety worries. Starting January 2027, Chinese regulations will require all passenger cars to feature manual door handles on both the inside and outside. European regulators have also highlighted electronic door handles as an area requiring urgent safety review.

Despite calls for an official NHTSA investigation specifically into Tesla’s door handles, the agency declined to open one but emphasized the broader plan to enforce stronger egress requirements. Tesla declined to provide a detailed comment on the ongoing regulatory developments. Meanwhile, the trend toward electronic and recessed door handles continues to grow among electric vehicle manufacturers, particularly within Chinese EV brands, prompting ongoing debate over balancing aesthetics and occupant safety.