Electric Door Handles Under Fire: New Safety Rules on the Way, but Not Soon

It's 2026, and we're still dealing with a problem that should have been obvious from the start. Flush, electrically operated door handles can trap people inside vehicles when the battery dies or after a crash. The result? Injuries and deaths that regulators are now finally addressing.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted a petition to begin developing new requirements to ensure drivers and passengers can always escape, even without power.

The issue isn't new. A Bloomberg investigation into Tesla alone found 15 deaths in 12 incidents where doors couldn't be opened after crashes and fires. Internal reports suggest Tesla CEO Elon Musk pushed for electric doors despite safety concerns. Rivian is also in the spotlight, with its emergency release mechanisms sometimes hard to find.

A Silicon Valley engineer filed the petition that kicked off this rulemaking back in November 2025.

But don't expect changes overnight. The NHTSA will gather data and public comments before deciding on a new safety standard. "I wouldn't expect to see a final compliance date before 2030 even if the rulemaking proceeds swiftly," said Michael Brooks of the Center for Auto Safety.

Automakers historically resist new mandates that add costs. Meanwhile, Tesla and Rivian are redesigning their handles, but lawsuits and modifications by owners show the frustration is real. For Boca Auto Care, the takeaway is simple: if you're driving a vehicle with electric door handles, know where the mechanical release is, it could save your life.