NHTSA Complaint #11317593 — 2019 TESLA MODEL 3

THIS WAS NOT AN EVENT, BUT A FEATURE THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE PASSENGER DOORS DO NOT HAVE MECHANICAL RELEASE LEVERS SHOULD THE CAR LOOSE POWER. THAT MEANS I COULD BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR IF I AM IN THE BACK SEAT. I AM 65, AND CLIMBING OVER THE SEAT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR ME. THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS I CAN CRAWL THROUGH THE TRUNK WHICH HAS A MANUAL RELEASE, BUT THAT IS EVEN HARDER. I PRACTICED IT WITH THE TRUNK EMPTY, AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT. WITH LUGGAGE IN THE TRUNK IT COULD BE IMPOSSIBLE. WE OFTEN CARRY PEOPLE IN THEIR 80'S IN THE BACK SEATS AS WELL, AND EXPLAINING THESE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IS QUITE ANXIETY-PROVOKING. I MYSELF HAVE CLAUSTROPHOBIA. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH A TESLA REPRESENTATIVE, WHO IS GOING TO PUT IT THROUGH AS A SUGGESTION. I ASKED TO HAVE THE DOOR HANDLES REPLACED WITH DOOR HANDLES EQUIPPED WITH EMERGENCY RELEASE LEVERS, BUT I AM TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT AN OPTION AT THIS TIME.