Tesla is under intense pressure following a lawsuit accusing the automaker of serious design flaws in the Cybertruck doors, which allegedly contributed to the death of three young people in an accident that occurred in November 2024, in the city of Piedmont, California. The incident has sparked debates about safety, usability, and responsibility in cutting-edge electric vehicles.
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The Accident that Sparked Investigations
The accident, which occurred around 3 a.m., involved a Cybertruck driven by college students returning home after the Thanksgiving holiday. The electric pickup was traveling at over 129 km/h when it left the road, collided with a tree and a retaining wall, becoming wedged between them and quickly starting a fire. Despite the efforts of a friend driving behind the vehicle to rescue the occupants, only one managed to escape in time. Three passengers died from smoke inhalation.
Cybertruck Door Design in Focus
Unlike conventional models, the Tesla Cybertruck does not have traditional external door handles. Its doors are opened via buttons located below the windows, which, according to the complaint, hindered a quick exit from the vehicle in an emergency situation. Although the car also has manual internal devices for releasing the doors, they are not intuitive, especially for rear seat passengers, whose desperate pleas were heard during the accident.
Furthermore, the robustness of the “armor glass” windows and the durability of the stainless steel doors, presented by Tesla as a safety feature, were criticized for making it difficult for rescuers to gain access, worsening the tragedy.
Known Issue and Previous Complaints
This lawsuit is not an isolated case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received more than 140 complaints since 2018 reporting problems with Tesla vehicle doors getting stuck or ceasing to function after power outages — situations even more critical during collisions where rescue speed is vital.
Recently, the federal agency began a formal investigation to evaluate possible design flaws in the doors, as there are also reports of children and adults trapped inside vehicles due to malfunctioning opening systems.
Tesla and the Quest for Door Redesign
In light of the accumulation of complaints and the ongoing lawsuit, with trial scheduled for February 2027 in the California Superior Court, Tesla stated it is working on improvements to the Cybertruck’s door handle design to ensure more intuitive and safer operation in panic situations.
Meanwhile, the episode raises an alert about the challenges of automotive innovations when not balanced with usability and real safety for all passengers.
Industry Context and Future of Electric Vehicles
Although Tesla is a leader in electric vehicle technology, this controversy highlights the importance of not only focusing on performance and futuristic design but also on functional safety in emergencies. Pressure on automakers is increasing, and new regulatory standards may emerge, impacting everything from launches to recall management.
For those who follow the automotive world and industry innovations, understanding these cases is essential, as well as keeping up with detailed analyses of high-performance models with proven safety. If you enjoy technology with responsibility, you might also be interested in our article about the Tesla Cybertruck: Almost Perfect Crash Test, But One Detail Almost Ruined Everything!, which discusses other critical points of the model.
Make a Complete Analysis Before Buying
When considering purchasing a vehicle like the Cybertruck, it is important to gather deep information about all technical and safety aspects. To better understand the electric car landscape and its technologies, our review of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can be a good reference point for comparing concepts.
Additionally, many brands are moving to balance power, design, and comfort with advanced safety, as we show in the Mercedes-Benz EQS 2026 vs Rivals, an important comparative analysis for premium electric car enthusiasts.
Finally, stay tuned for news like the Ford Super Mustang Mach-E, which highlights the fierce competition and technical challenges in the electric automotive industry in the coming years.
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Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.
