Federal safety regulators have launched a probe following incidents where drivers and passengers were allegedly trapped inside electric vehicles, including Tesla models, after power loss or fire-related crashes. These cases, combined with mounting lawsuits and public scrutiny, have reignited debates over electric vehicle (EV) safety and door design. A significant legislative push, led by Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly, seeks to mandate manual door release mechanisms in all vehicles to prevent future tragedies.

A tragic incident sparks national attention

A pivotal example fueling the investigation involves Krista Soo Kim, a 19-year-old passenger in a Tesla who tragically lost her life in late 2024. Reunited with friends during her Thanksgiving break, Kim was riding in a Tesla when the vehicle crashed and caught fire. While she survived the initial impact, her family’s attorney, Roger Dreyer, claims that Krista was unable to exit the car due to inoperable doors after the power system failed. Trapped in the vehicle, Kim died in the subsequent fire alongside two friends, including the driver.

Dreyer highlighted the unintuitive design of Tesla’s emergency door release mechanisms as a fatal flaw, stating, "It ends up making that car a crematorium because they can't get out." Court records reveal that Dreyer is representing Kim’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla. Tesla, however, has categorically denied all allegations, asserting that it did not cause or contribute to any damages.

The incident has raised crucial questions about the accessibility of emergency exits in Tesla vehicles during power failures or fire-related emergencies. As Dreyer sharply noted, "No one's going to pull out their iPhone and say, ‘Let me Google that while I’m catching on fire.’ So they have to be intuitive."

Legal battles and federal investigations

Tesla now faces several wrongful death lawsuits and class action claims related to door access in emergency situations. While one lawsuit has been settled out of court, four others are ongoing. Separately, Tesla’s door design has drawn the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency launched an investigation into the 2021 Tesla Model Y last fall after receiving nearly a dozen complaints about exterior door handle failures. Another petition has called for a review of emergency exit mechanisms in the 2022 Tesla Model 3, which reportedly features concealed and unlabeled emergency door releases.

It’s worth noting that NHTSA’s investigations have not examined the specific Tesla model involved in Krista Soo Kim’s death. However, the broader scrutiny reflects growing concerns about electric vehicle door functionality during power loss scenarios. Such concerns are not limited to Tesla, as these design issues have implications for the entire EV industry.

Legislative action: the Safe Exit Act of 2026

In response to these incidents, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly has proposed the Safe Exit Act of 2026. This legislation, if passed, would require all new vehicles—electric or otherwise—to include clearly labeled and easily accessible manual door release options that function independently of a vehicle’s electrical system. "There needs to be a manual way to get out of the vehicle or for first responders to get in," Kelly emphasized when announcing the bill. According to the proposed legislation, emergency responders must also be equipped with tools to access vehicles in situations where power has failed.

The bill has passed its first hurdle by advancing to the House Committee for Energy and Commerce, but its route to becoming law remains uncertain. If enacted, it would impose standard safety requirements on all automakers selling in the United States, mandating new protections for drivers and passengers in emergency scenarios.

Safety concerns with EV fires

The issue highlights wider safety concerns within the electric vehicle landscape, particularly those involving high-speed crashes and battery fires. Fires in EVs tend to burn faster and hotter than those in gas-powered vehicles due to the chemical properties of lithium-ion batteries. According to experts interviewed by NBC 5, the rapid development of these fires underscores the need for occupants to exit the vehicle quickly.

Consumers and potential EV buyers are advised to familiarize themselves with their car’s emergency exit mechanisms. Some safety experts argue that manufacturers like Tesla must place more emphasis on intuitive design to ensure users can locate and operate door releases under stress.

Global responses and implications for the industry

Safety debates revolving around electric vehicles are not confined to the U.S. Starting in 2025, China is implementing regulations that mandate mechanical emergency door releases in EVs. Such moves signal a broader international recognition of the risks posed by overreliance on electrified systems. Automakers looking to sell internationally may soon need to adopt universal safety measures.

For Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers, this growing regulatory and legal pressure represents a turning point. If the Safe Exit Act of 2026 passes, it could spell significant changes for manufacturing and design practices. Moreover, with EV adoption increasing and governments pushing for zero-emission mandates, ensuring user safety will play a major role in maintaining consumer trust.

What’s next for Tesla and EV safety

Tesla has not publicly commented on the recent lawsuits, NHTSA investigations, or proposed legislation, adding to the opacity surrounding these developments. As the lawsuits proceed and the Safe Exit Act moves through Congress, the outcome could reshape expectations and standards for all car manufacturers.

Until then, EV owners are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s safety features, including emergency exits, and to ensure they are ready to react quickly in the unlikely—but critical—event of a crash or fire. The tragic loss of Krista Soo Kim serves as a stark reminder of the stakes in designing safer electric vehicles.