According to reports from Reuters, Baijiahao, and other media outlets, on December 24 (local time), the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) declared that it would launch a defect investigation into Tesla's 2022 Model 3, with approximately 179,071 vehicles falling under the scope of this inquiry. The crux of the investigation centers on whether the emergency door release mechanism is readily discoverable and prominently visible during emergency scenarios. In the U.S., vehicle safety standards are stringent, and any component that could potentially hinder passenger evacuation in emergencies is taken very seriously. The emergency door release mechanism is a vital safety feature, and its visibility and accessibility are crucial for ensuring the swift and safe exit of occupants from the vehicle. The NHTSA received a defect petition on December 23. The petition pointed out that the emergency door release mechanism is concealed and lacks clear markings. In emergency situations, such as a fire or a collision where time is of the essence, this lack of visibility can pose a significant obstacle. Occupants may struggle to locate the mechanism quickly, which could delay their evacuation and potentially put their lives at risk. As of now, Tesla has not issued any comments regarding this matter.