Tesla is once again under fire—this time over a horrific accident that claimed two lives. The family of Jeffrey and Michelle Bauer has filed suit against the automaker, alleging that their Model S trapped them inside as it went up in flames. The complaint states that after the car crashed, its power cut out, locking the electronic doors and sealing their fate.
The accident occurred in Verona, Wisconsin, on November 1, 2024. Five people were in the Model S when it ran off the road and struck a tree, erupting into fire. The Bauers didn’t make it out. Their family says the car’s electrical failure disabled the doors and that the manual release—tucked under the rear seat carpet—was impossible for Michelle to reach in time.
Design Flaws and a Missed Escape
The Bauers’ four children are suing for wrongful death, claiming Tesla ignored known design flaws. They accuse the automaker of deliberately choosing style and complexity over basic safety, describing it as a “conscious departure” from sound engineering.
Heng / Pexels / A nearby witness told emergency crews they could hear screams coming from inside the burning car moments after the crash.
The lawsuit points to that testimony as proof that the Bauers were still alive but trapped by Tesla’s design flaws.
Other Cases Add Fuel to the Fire
The Bauers’ case joins others raising alarms about Tesla’s doors. In October 2025, two more families sued after a deadly Cybertruck crash that killed college students Krysta Tsukahara and Jack Nelson in late 2024—another fire-related tragedy.
The lawsuits claim they survived the crash but were trapped because the Cybertruck’s manual release was buried under a rubber mat.
Just like the Model S case, those families say Tesla prioritized sleek design over basic safety. In both models, backup manual releases are hidden in hard-to-reach spots. In emergencies, seconds count. If someone has to dig under a mat or carpet to find a door handle, it’s already too late.
Regulators are also paying attention. In September 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Tesla’s door systems. Officials are looking into multiple complaints about electronic handles not working during emergencies.
As more incidents come to light, the investigation is expanding.
Tesla Hasn't Commented Yet
Kindel / Pexels / At the core of the problem is Tesla’s reliance on electronics for basic functions, such as opening doors. Unlike old-school mechanical handles, these systems need power.
If a crash cuts that power, the doors can become dead weight. Tesla does include manual options, but critics say they are poorly placed and hard to find, especially for back-seat passengers or first-time Tesla drivers.
This design choice reflects a broader issue. Tesla often pushes boundaries when it comes to design. Its cars are sleek, minimalist, and high-tech. But sometimes, those choices come at a cost. Traditional safety features get hidden or replaced in the name of innovation. Critics argue that when style wins over function, people can get hurt or worse.
However, Tesla’s design chief, Franz von Holzhausen, addressed the issue in September 2025. He admitted the company is working on a better system, one that blends electronic and manual door releases in a more obvious way. It’s a step, but for families like the Bauers, it comes too late.
This lawsuit may prompt Tesla to reassess how it incorporates safety into its vehicles. For years, the company has operated with a bold, disruptive mindset. However, that approach is now facing real-world consequences.
Tesla is yet to comment on the matter.