Tesla owners have reported instances where they were trapped inside their electric vehicles (EVs) after losing power. These incidents have raised concerns about the accessibility and reliability of manual door releases in Tesla models. In one case, firefighters had to rescue a toddler who was locked inside a Tesla after the battery died. Another Tesla driver found themselves trapped in their Model Y for 20 minutes on a sweltering day. These incidents highlight the urgency of understanding how to locate and activate the manual door releases in different Tesla models.
Model S: The manual door release for the front doors in a Model S is located in front of the window switches on the door panel. To open the rear doors manually, one must pull back the carpet below the back seats to reveal the emergency door release cable, which needs to be pulled towards the center of the car. It is important to note that the manual release overrides the car’s child lock.
Model 3: The Model 3 only has manual door releases for the front doors. The release is located in front of the window switch panel on the door. This means that if power is lost, only the front doors can be manually opened.
Model X: In a Model X, the front doors can be opened using a manual release located in front of the window buttons. To open the rear doors manually, one must remove the speaker grille and locate the mechanical release behind it. The release cable needs to be pulled down and towards the front of the vehicle before lifting up the door to open it.
Model Y: The manual door release for the front seats of a Model Y is also found in front of the window switch panel. However, not all Model Y cars come equipped with a manual release for the rear seats. For those that do, the release is located in the rear doors’ pockets. It requires removing the mat and pressing a red tab to reveal the manual release cable, which needs to be pulled forward to open the door.
These manual door releases serve as crucial backup mechanisms in situations where the Tesla loses power. However, locating them can be challenging without prior knowledge or consulting the owner’s manual. Tesla owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the location and operation of the manual door releases to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
In response to these incidents, Tesla did not provide any comment. It is essential for Tesla owners to be proactive in understanding the features and emergency procedures of their vehicles to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers. By being aware of the manual door releases in their specific Tesla model, owners can be better prepared in the event of a power failure.
