Tesla's Cybertruck has had its share of challenges, and the latest could be the most significant yet.

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Tesla, alleging design flaws in the Cybertruck’s electronic door handles and raising questions about safety protocols. This suit could affect not only Tesla's reputation but also broader perceptions of high-tech vehicle safety.

What's the Jumpstart of the Lawsuit?

What Prompted the Lawsuit?

The lawsuit originates from a November 2024 accident in Piedmont, California, involving a fatal crash with a Tesla Cybertruck. Allegedly, the door handles failed during an emergency, preventing escape from a burning vehicle and leading to the tragic death of 19-year-old Krysta Tsukahara.

Safety Concerns Around Electronic Doors

Tsukahara's family asserts that she initially survived the crash with minor injuries but was trapped inside when the vehicle caught fire. The main accusation targets Tesla's innovative yet arguably flawed door handle design, which depends on electronic systems susceptible to power failures.

Safety Concerns Surrounding Electronic Doors

Implications for the Future of Tesla

The Cybertruck features an electronic button system instead of conventional handles. While the design is sleek and cutting-edge, the lack of a simple manual override has raised concerns. The manual release is reportedly difficult to access, hidden beneath a rubber mat, which complicates emergency exits.

This issue is not limited to this case; similar incidents and investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have scrutinized Tesla's high-tech doors. Other Tesla models with similar designs have faced criticism in the past.

By the numbers

• Tesla Cybertruck Price Range: $40,000 - $70,000 USD, 2025 — Tesla

• Number of Cybertrucks Preordered: 1.3 million, 2025 — Tesla

• Reported Tesla Vehicles with Door Issues: multiple incidents, 2024-2025 — NHTSA

What's next

Stay tuned as we await further details from the ongoing investigation and potential responses from Tesla, which could include design overhauls and safety improvements.

> These design choices created a highly foreseeable risk that rear-seat occupants who survived a crash would nevertheless remain trapped when the vehicle caught fire. — Lawsuit Excerpt

Implications for Tesla's Future