# 2022 TESLA MODEL 3 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
> NHTSA complaint `2146802` · 2025-11-07 · Tesla, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** Yes
- **Vehicle towed:** Yes
## Vehicle
- **Make:** TESLA
- **Model:** MODEL 3
- **Year:** 2022
- **Manufacturer:** Tesla, Inc.
- **Component:** LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- **Speed:** 55 mph
## Narrative
During a head-on collision on [XXX] in Georgia, the electrical system in my 2022 Tesla Model 3 lost power and the electric door releases stopped functioning. The vehicle interior caught fire and I was trapped inside. I was unaware of the location of the hidden mechanical emergency door release because it is not visibly labeled, not explained upon delivery, and not intuitive in an emergency. I was forced to climb to the back seat and break the rear passenger window with my legs to escape while the interior was burning. I suffered a broken hip, broken arm, and later required a full hip replacement.  The mechanical emergency door release was concealed and unlabeled, resulting in entrapment during a fire, which is a violation of FMVSS 206 and presents a continuing and life-threatening safety hazard to all drivers and passengers.  Tesla has not provided warnings, recall guidance, labeling, or owner education regarding how to exit the vehicle during a power-loss emergency. This defect can result in deaths. I am requesting a formal investigation.  INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*