/ January 8, 2026 Tesla finds itself in the crosshairs of U.S. lawmakers as a new legislative proposal takes aim at the automaker’s controversial door systems. The move adds a significant layer of regulatory uncertainty for the electric vehicle (EV) pioneer, which is already navigating a challenging business environment. A Legislative Challenge Takes Shape Introduced on January 7, 2026, by Democratic Representative Robin Kelly, the “SAFE Exit Act” seeks to mandate manual emergency release mechanisms for all vehicles equipped with electronic doors. The bill would compel the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish binding safety standards within two years. Key provisions of the proposed legislation include requirements for a mechanical override on every door that is both intuitively operable and easily accessible, clear labeling for manual opening mechanisms, and guaranteed access for first responders during power failures. Representative Kelly did not mince words in her criticism, stating, “Elon Musk and his Tesla designs are neither safe nor efficient—and they have cost people their lives.” She argued that trapping drivers and passengers after crashes or electrical failures represents a safety failure, not progress. The House committee discussion scheduled for January 13 will be a critical early indicator of the bill’s momentum. The initiative has garnered support from Consumer Reports, which has echoed concerns about escalating safety risks associated with electronic door handles. Ongoing Federal Scrutiny This legislative push coincides with active federal investigations into Tesla’s door systems. The NHTSA is currently pursuing two separate probes: * A September 2025 investigation into the Model Y, initiated following a Bloomberg report linking at least 15 fatalities to door failures post-accident. * A December 2025 examination of the Model 3, prompted by complaints that its emergency releases are “hidden, unmarked, and difficult to locate in emergencies.”