The tragic case of two college students who lost their lives in a Cybertruck crash has brought significant attention to Tesla’s vehicle design. Their parents are now taking legal action against the company, citing a design flaw in the truck’s doors that allegedly trapped the victims after the accident.
Jack Nelson, 20, and Krysta Tsukahara, 19, are at the center of separate lawsuits filed on Thursday. These lawsuits claim that the innovative electric-powered doors of the Cybertruck, which feature hidden manual releases, severely hindered the students’ ability to escape following the crash, as highlighted in a recent Bloomberg article.
This incident is particularly concerning given that Tesla’s door systems have come under scrutiny in recent months. In September, U.S. regulators initiated an investigation into faulty door handles in certain Tesla models. A Bloomberg investigation earlier this year also revealed multiple cases of injury or death due to door failures after crashes, raising serious safety questions.
The tragic event occurred on the night of November 27, 2024, in Piedmont, a suburb across the bay from San Francisco. The California Highway Patrol reported that the Cybertruck was speeding down a residential street when it collided with a tree, causing the vehicle to ignite. The electric doors, designed to be innovative, malfunctioned and trapped all four passengers inside. Tragically, three of them—Nelson, Tsukahara, and another passenger—did not survive. Only one passenger was rescued through a broken window.
The Cybertruck’s design omits traditional exterior door handles, opting instead for small electronic buttons located near the windows. While there are manual releases inside, they are not easily accessible, especially for those in the back seat. Specifically, to access the rear doors, passengers must lift a mat in the storage pocket and tug on a hidden cable underneath. The lawsuits suggest that these intricate design features, when coupled with the robust stainless steel panels and armor glass windows, severely hampered rescue efforts and contributed to the tragic outcome.
Tesla has not yet provided an official comment to Gizmodo regarding the lawsuits and the accident.
The timing of these complaints is notable, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently launched a preliminary investigation into door malfunctions affecting 2021 Model Y vehicles. Reports indicated that parents were unable to re-enter their cars when children were inadvertently locked inside. This investigation involves nearly 175,000 vehicles and will determine if the defect poses a severe safety risk.
According to Bloomberg’s findings, the NHTSA has received over 140 reports since 2018 concerning Tesla doors that either stick, fail to open, or malfunction in other significant ways.
What safety issues are associated with Tesla’s door designs?
Recent investigations highlight that Tesla’s door mechanisms may fail to open in emergencies, potentially trapping passengers inside the car during critical situations.
Are there any other incidents related to Tesla’s door functionality?
Yes, numerous complaints have been filed regarding Tesla doors sticking or failing to open, with serious consequences reported in some cases.
How is Tesla responding to these safety concerns?
The company has not publicly addressed the specific lawsuits or the latest safety investigations into their door design flaws.
In light of these ongoing concerns, it’s essential for potential buyers to stay informed regarding the safety features of Tesla vehicles. For further insights and updates on automotive safety, make sure to explore related content on Moyens I/O.