The Defect Investigation Office under the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla on Wednesday, saying that the mechanical door lock release device for the company's 2022 Model 3 was difficult to find. The problem is estimated to affect more than 179,000 cars. Previously, the office received a petition at the end of November. “The petition states that the mechanical door lock release device is hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitively located in an emergency,” the office said. The office cited a report of a malfunction, one of which resulted in a crash or fire and non-fatal injury.

The Defect Investigation Office under the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla on Wednesday, saying that the mechanical door lock release device for the company's 2022 Model 3 was difficult to find. The problem is estimated to affect more than 179,000 cars. Previously, the office received a petition at the end of November. “The petition states that the mechanical door lock release device is hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitively located in an emergency,” the office said. The office cited a report of a malfunction, one of which resulted in a crash or fire and non-fatal injury.