The total number of reported fatalities linked to Tesla car fires is 83, according to the website tesla-fire.com. Recent high-profile cases have highlighted concerns over the vehicles' electronic doors, which can fail to open after a crash, trapping occupants.
Notable fatal incidents involving Tesla fires include:
- Piedmont, California (October 2025): The families of two college students who died in a Cybertruck fire in November 2024 are suing Tesla. A lawsuit alleges the electronic door handles failed after the crash, preventing the students from escaping. A third person also died in the incident.
- Schwerte, Germany (September 2025): A man and two young children burned to death after their Tesla crashed into a tree and caught fire. A fourth child was able to escape. Witnesses reported being unable to open the doors to help.
- North Miami Beach, Florida (October 2025): A 24-year-old woman died after being trapped inside her burning Tesla following a crash. First responders were unable to get her out of the vehicle.
- Toronto, Canada (November 2024): Four people died in a fiery Model Y crash after they were unable to open the doors.
- Murrieta, California (July 2023): Three teenagers died after a Tesla crashed and was engulfed in flames.
