Report: At Least 15 Fatalities Linked to Tesla Doors Failing to Open in Fires

A recent investigation has uncovered a troubling safety concern involving Tesla vehicles and their electronic door mechanisms. According to reporting from Bloomberg and other outlets, at least 15 people have died in crashes over the past decade where occupants or rescuers couldn’t open Tesla doors after a fire or impact. In many of these incidents, the door handles which rely on electrical power became inoperable when the battery lost power, trapping people inside. As regulators and safety experts examine the issue, the role of futuristic electronic door systems in real‑world emergencies is under fresh scrutiny.

Tesla Model S

Man, that report… the one about the doors not opening in fires? That freaked me out way more than I expected. Like, I love techy stuff, buttons, screens, all that jazz, but when it’s your life and you’re stuck ‘cause the door wants to “update” or whatever? No thanks. I sat in a Model S once smelled like new money and battery heat, kinda plasticky though. Around 90k or something now? depends. Anyway, pretty, sure, but sometimes it’s too clever for its own good, you know?

Ford Mustang

Ah, now this one old-school fire, muscle, noise. The kind of car that makes you grin even if it leaks oil in your garage. If you’ve got, I dunno, 40 grand just sitting there, you can still grab one that roars properly. But I feel like the newer ones lost that soul a bit. Too tame. My uncle had one that smelled like burnt clutch forever, and we loved it anyway. You can’t say that about Teslas they smell like disappointment when something fails.

Toyota Camry

Okay, weird segue, but Camrys… they’re everywhere, man. Like background noise in traffic. Indestructible though. If you want something that probably won’t try to trap you in a fire, this is it. Costs, what, 30-ish grand new? My cousin’s still driving his 2010, interior full of crumbs and half a pack of gum melted into the cupholder, and it still runs like a dream.

BMW i4

So, electric again, but in a snooty European way. Kinda feels like that guy who thinks he’s cooler because he drinks sparkling water. I test-sat one at a showroom doors felt solid at least (ironically, right?). Around maybe 60 grand? You touch the handle, and it pops out like it’s saying “oh yes, sir.” I laughed out loud. Still… not sure I’d trust it if smoke started creeping in.

Honda Civic

God, Civics are like loyal dogs. Little under 25k, super chill, fun to drive even when it rattles. And no one ever died because the door wouldn’t open. Imagine that basic mechanics doing their job. My old 2012 Civic smelled like fries for years ‘cause I spilled some in the backseat. Still regret selling it sometimes. Simpler times.

Dodge Challenger

Big, loud, stupidly fun. You feel like a cartoon villain in it. Around 45k maybe. But yeah, every time I sit in one, I expect it to explode or get pulled over. Still would pick it over any “smart” car. At least when this thing burns (god forbid) you know the damn door’s a handle, not a sensor having an existential crisis.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Love-hate situation here. The design hits it looks like a video game car from the 80s mashed into real life. Electric, yeah, cool, around 45 50k. But these door handles that flatten out… ugh. Why can’t doors just be doors? I touched one and it felt like pressing a screen in a museum.

Jeep Wrangler

Burning Jeeps, man, now that’s something you at least expect ‘cause people mod them like crazy. Rough edges, smells like dust and sunscreen and regrets. Around 35k new? depends if you want a roof. (Don’t. It leaks anyway.) You can get stuck in mud but not in the door progress, I guess.

Mercedes EQS

Had coffee next to one once, some guy brought it to the café and kept checking if people were looking. Everyone was. Looked expensive probably 100k easy. Plush as hell though. It’s like, luxury spaceship vibes until something electronic glitches, and then… well, see Tesla. Same idea.

Subaru Outback

The Outback is that reliable friend who brings snacks on a road trip. 30-something grand, smells like camping gear, holds more memories than horsepower. If fire broke out, you’d probably just kick the door open, no problem. My neighbor has one they’ve hit more potholes than I’ve seen birthdays, still runs like a champ.