Tesla Vehicle Fire Lawsuit Claims Electronic Doors Would Not Open, Resulting in Life-Threatening Injuries

Increasing number of Tesla complaints raise concerns that electronic door systems may prevent occupants from escaping burning vehicles.

A California man has filed a lawsuit alleging that he suffered severe, life-threatening injuries when the electronic door locks on his Tesla Model Y failed after the vehicle caught fire, preventing him from escaping the burning car.

The complaint (PDF) was originally brought by Wondafrash Gebreyes Gebremedihen in California Superior Court on February 23, naming Tesla Inc. as the sole defendant. The lawsuit was later removed to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on March 24.

Most Tesla vehicles are equipped with electronic door releases that depend on battery power to function, rather than traditional mechanical handles. While the design is intended to provide a sleek, modern interface, Gebremedihen alleges it creates a dangerous risk if power is lost during a collision or fire, potentially preventing occupants from exiting the vehicle.

Tesla Electronic Door Latch Risks

A growing number of Tesla investigations and lawsuits are raising similar concerns about electronic door systems and whether occupants can escape burning vehicles. Federal regulators began examining reports of children being trapped in Tesla vehicles due to electronic latch issues in September 2025. 

In addition, a Tesla wrongful death lawsuit filed earlier this year claims that a California man was trapped inside his Tesla Model Y after the door handles failed to operate.

A separate Tesla Cybertruck lawsuit brought in June 2025 also raised allegations that defective door handle designs may have prevented a Texas man’s timely escape during a vehicle fire, potentially contributing to his fatal burn injuries.

Tesla Door Latch Fire Allegations

According to the complaint, the incident occurred when the Tesla was involved in a crash that sparked a fire, quickly engulfing parts of the vehicle. Gebremedihen alleges he was unable to open the doors using the electronic system, delaying his escape and exposing him to extreme heat and flames.

The lawsuit indicates that the vehicle’s electrical system was compromised during the crash, disabling the door release mechanism at a critical moment. As a result, Gebremedihen claims he was effectively trapped inside the vehicle while it burned, suffering serious injuries before he was able to escape or be rescued.

Gebremedihen alleges Tesla failed to include reliable, easy-to-access manual overrides for its electronic door handles, which could allow occupants to exit in an emergency. While some models have manual releases, the lawsuit claims they are difficult to locate, unintuitive or ineffective in certain conditions.

First responders referenced in the complaint have reportedly encountered similar challenges with other Tesla vehicles, where electronic door systems may not function when power is lost, complicating rescue efforts in emergency situations.

In addition, the complaint raises concerns about the risk of vehicle fires associated with lithium-ion battery systems, which can burn intensely and spread rapidly once ignited. Gebremedihen claims that the combination of fire risk and inaccessible door mechanisms creates an unreasonably dangerous condition for drivers and passengers.

As a result of the incident, the plaintiff claims he suffered severe burns and other injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and resulting in long-term physical and emotional harm.

“If properly designed and manufactured, the subject Tesla Model Y and its structural components would have prevented the subject vehicle from catching fire and would not have trapped Plaintiff in the subject vehicle, causing his life-threatening and serious injuries.”

— Wondafrash Gebreyes Gebremedihen v. Tesla Inc.

The complaint raises allegations of strict product liability and negligence. It seeks general and special damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other losses.

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