On November 22, U.S. media outlets reported that Tesla is embroiled in a lawsuit in Washington State following a fatal fire accident. The tragic incident claimed one life and left another with severe injuries, with emergency responders unable to pry open the car doors. This legal action marks the latest controversy surrounding design flaws in Tesla's electric vehicle door handles.

The incident in question unfolded in January 2023, when Jeffery Dennis and his wife, Wendy, were driving their Tesla Model 3. The vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably and slammed into a utility pole, erupting into flames. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla's "distinctive yet flawed door handle design" rendered the doors inoperable, significantly impeding rescue operations. Wendy succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while Jeffery sustained burns to his legs.

Just weeks prior, a similar incident occurred in Wisconsin involving a Tesla Model S crash. In that case, five occupants perished in the ensuing fire because the doors could not be opened, further highlighting the potential dangers associated with Tesla's door handle design.