In recent years, Tesla Model Y owners have encountered an unexpected issue: some versions of the electric SUV lack a simple manual way to open the rear doors.
In recent years, Tesla Model Y owners have encountered an unexpected issue: some versions of the electric SUV lack a simple manual way to open the rear doors. The problem has sparked widespread discussion among drivers, especially after several tragic incidents in which passengers were unable to escape following a crash or a fire. The safety concern is particularly serious for families with children — in an emergency, every second counts.
Unlike the front doors, which have a clearly visible mechanical release lever that works even when the car loses power, the rear doors of the Model Y require a complicated sequence of steps. To use the emergency release, you need to remove the floor mat, locate a hidden plastic cover, pry it open, and only then pull a small cable. This can be challenging for an adult — and nearly impossible for a child.
Tesla has partially addressed the issue in the updated Juniper version, but not completely: the plastic cover still blocks quick access. As a result, some owners have started coming up with their own fixes. Some attach brightly colored straps to the release cable to make it easier to find, while others extend the cable toward the front of the cabin so the driver can open the rear doors from their seat.
However, these DIY modifications don’t work for everyone. As the official manual notes, not every Model Y is equipped with a mechanical emergency release for the rear doors at all. In cases where the electronics fail and the doors lock, passengers may have no choice but to climb out through the front seats — or break a window.
The situation has prompted many to question the real-world safety of modern electric vehicles and whether manufacturers should do more to ensure quick manual access in emergencies.