Tesla Model 3 Design Flaws Allegedly Led to Fatal Crash
Lawsuit Claims Defective Compstartnts Caused Acceleration and Fire
A federal lawsuit filed on November 24, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington alleges that design flaws in a Tesla Model 3 resulted in catastrophic consequences, including the death of a woman and severe injuries to her husband. The incident occurred on January 7, 2023, in Tacoma, Washington, when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated and crashed into a utility pole, igniting a fire.
Fatal Incident Details
Jeff and Wendy Dennis were running errands when the Tesla Model 3 suddenly accelerated uncontrollably for approximately five seconds, according to the lawsuit. Jeff Dennis attempted to avoid collision with other vehicles but ultimately struck a utility pole, causing the car to burst into flames. The lawsuit alleges that the automatic emergency braking system failed to engage, despite being designed to do so in situations deemed unavoidable for frontal collisions.
Door Handle Design Causes Rescue Delays
A significant point of contention in the lawsuit revolves around the design of the Tesla’s door handles. Bystanders attempting to assist the trapped occupants were unable to open the doors because the handles are powered by the vehicle’s battery, which disengages during an accident. Additionally, the manual override for the door locks is reportedly difficult to locate and operate, and due to the fire, the interior battery was non-functional, exacerbating the situation.
According to the allegations, heat from the fire made it unsafe for bystanders to approach the vehicle closely enough to attempt breaking the windows for rescue. Unfortunately, Wendy Dennis succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, while her husband Jeff suffered severe leg burns and other injuries.
Broader Concerns About Tesla Door Safety
The complaint highlights a pattern of concerns regarding Tesla’s door mechanisms. In September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into complaints about the electronic door handles in 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs, which reportedly prevented owners from entering or exiting their vehicles. This follows a similar case last month where the parents of two college students claimed their children were trapped in a burning Tesla due to a design flaw preventing door access.
Legal Action and Claims
The lawsuit seeks punitive damages in California, where the 2018 Model 3 was designed and manufactured, and also requests wrongful death compensation for both Jeff Dennis and Wendy Dennis’s estate. The case is being presented for jury consideration.
Messages to both Tesla and the plaintiffs’ attorneys for comments related to the lawsuit were not returned prior to publication.
Conclusion
The Dennis case underscores ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s safety measures and design protocols. As investigations continue and more lawsuits may arise, the implications for future vehicle safety standards and design practstarts in the automotive industry remain significant.
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