# NHTSA Considers New Car Door Safety Rules After Fatal Tesla Crashes Electronic doors failing in emergencies prompt new regulatory considerations. - **Source:** [Scientific American Content: Global](https://brifing.si/source/4f066134-e06d-4415-87ef-305e3dc2aba6) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/071ad352-7649-4eee-809f-99c4f92b7eba ## The Safety Issue with Electronic Doors Tesla's electronic door systems have raised safety concerns after reports of doors failing to open in accidents. NHTSA has begun working on new rules to address this issue. ## Problems Encountered in Accidents In Tesla accidents, passengers and rescue teams faced difficulties due to electronic door system failures and the inability to locate manual release mechanisms. ## NHTSA's Decision NHTSA denied a request to investigate safety defects in Tesla Model 3s but decided to initiate a broader rulemaking process to address the issue. ## Content of the New Rules NHTSA is working on a new rule that would require all vehicles to have a 'robust and obvious door egress system' that functions even during power failures. ## Timeline for the Rulemaking Process Implementing new rules could take years. NHTSA will gather public input to move the process forward, but a definitive timeline has not yet been established. ## A New Era in Automotive Safety NHTSA's move could lead to a reevaluation of safety standards in the automotive industry. The reliability of electronic systems and their usability in emergencies are becoming key priorities. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nhtsa-considers-new-car-door-safety-rules-after-fatal-tesla-crashes/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._