/ December 25, 2025 Tesla’s stock price experienced a downturn on December 24th following the announcement of a new safety investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The focus of the probe is the door handle design on certain Model 3 vehicles. This development pushed the share price down by approximately 1.4% to around $479, coming just two days after the equity hit a fresh 52-week high near $499. Investigation Centers on Emergency Exit Concerns The preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) covers an estimated 179,071 Model 3 vehicles from the 2022 model year. Regulators are responding to consumer complaints that the mechanical door release lever for emergency situations is difficult to locate, lacks clear labeling, and is non-intuitive to operate. The concern is that in a power failure scenario—such as after a collision—this design could potentially prevent occupants from exiting the vehicle. This inquiry will assess whether Tesla’s minimalist interior approach, which relies heavily on electronic door releases, introduces a safety defect. While the examination is currently preliminary, it has been initiated in response to specific incidents where passengers reportedly could not escape. A formal recall is not under immediate consideration. Positive Momentum Meets Regulatory Scrutiny This regulatory news creates a stark contrast to the recent stream of bullish developments for the electric vehicle maker. On December 22nd, Canaccord Genuity analyst George Gianarikas reaffirmed his Buy rating on Tesla shares and raised his price target from $482 to $551. The analyst’s increased confidence stems from a long-term belief in Tesla’s artificial intelligence strategy and its planned robotaxi service, slated for 2026.