The US auto safety regulator has opened a defect investigation into approximately 179,071 Tesla Model 3 vehicles (model year 2022) due to concerns that the emergency door release controls may be difficult to access or identify. The probe follows a defect petition alleging the mechanical release is hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive. This investigation is a preliminary step that could lead to further action if safety defects are confirmed. Tesla, which relies heavily on electronic latches, includes a manual release, but its visibility and intuitiveness have been questioned previously.