Tesla class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Plaintiff Robert L. Hyde filed a class action lawsuit against Tesla Inc.
- Why: Hyde alleges the door handles on 2023–present Tesla Model S vehicles fail to function during power losses, creating a “death trap” during collisions or fires.
- Where: The Tesla class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.
A new class action lawsuit alleges that Tesla’s Model S vehicles contain a material safety defect involving electrically actuated door handles that can trap occupants inside during emergencies.
Plaintiff Robert L. Hyde filed the complaint on Feb. 13, alleging that the design of the Model S renders the vehicle “not reasonably escapable” following a collision or fire that results in a loss of low-voltage power.
According to the Tesla class action, both the interior and exterior door handles require electronic latch actuation to function. In the event of a crash or battery failure — foreseeable events for any vehicle — the flush-mounted exterior handles may fail to extend, preventing first responders from reaching those inside.
Instead of traditional manual releases, the lawsuit claims the Model S rear doors utilize a hidden manual release cable located beneath the carpeting under the rear seats. The complaint asserts this design is not reasonably discoverable by an average occupant during the disorientation of a serious motor vehicle collision.
Hyde seeks to represent a class of individuals who purchased or leased 2023 to present Tesla Model S vehicles.
Tesla accused of concealing ‘death trap’ design in Model S
Hyde alleges that Tesla has long been aware of these defects through customer complaints and public reports but has failed to rectify the issue or warn consumers.
The class action lawsuit cites a fatal incident involving a Model Y with similar design features, alleging the driver died in a vehicle fire after being unable to manually open the doors. The plaintiff maintains that had Tesla disclosed these risks, reasonable consumers would have reconsidered their purchase.
Hyde further argues that the current manual release process is “tedious” and nearly impossible for children, the elderly or the disabled to perform during a life-threatening emergency.
Hyde, who purchased his Model S in February 2023, claims he suffered economic injury because the vehicle is worth less than its purchase price due to these undisclosed safety risks.
The plaintiff alleges fraudulent concealment, unjust enrichment and violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law. Hyde is seeking class certification, damages and injunctive relief.
Currently, Tesla is facing another lawsuit claiming the company sold its Powerwall 2 battery systems with knowledge of a defect that can cause them to overheat, emit smoke or catch fire.
What do you think of the safety allegations made in this Tesla class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Abbas Kazerounian, Mike Kazerounian and Pamela Prescott of Kazerouni Law Group APC.
The Tesla class action lawsuit is Hyde v. Tesla Inc., Case No. 3:26-cv-00942-BJC-MMP, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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