San Francisco: The parents of Krysta Tsukahara, a 19-year-old college student killed in a Tesla Cybertruck crash, have filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging a design flaw in the vehicle’s doors trapped their daughter amid flames and smoke, preventing her escape.
Allegations of design flaw and corporate negligence
According to the lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court, Tesla knew about the door malfunction issue for years but failed to implement a fix. The parents claim that this oversight directly contributed to their daughter’s death during the accident.
Krysta was in the back seat of a Cybertruck when the driver, who was allegedly drunk and under the influence of drugs, crashed into a tree in a San Francisco suburb. Three of the four passengers, including the driver, died in the accident. The fourth passenger survived after a rescuer broke the window to reach them.
The lawsuit highlights that Tesla’s doors, powered by battery-operated unlocking mechanisms, can become inoperable if the battery is destroyed in a fire. Manual overrides exist but are reportedly difficult to locate and operate under stress, creating serious safety risks in emergencies.
Regulatory scrutiny and previous cases
This lawsuit comes weeks after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into complaints about Tesla stuck-door issues, particularly incidents where parents were unable to access children in the back seats. The investigation is focused on back doors that cannot be opened in emergencies, sometimes requiring windows to be broken to rescue passengers.
Tesla has faced several legal challenges over safety problems in its vehicles. In August 2025, a Florida jury awarded more than $240 million to the family of another college student killed in a Tesla crash years ago.
Tesla’s response
Tesla has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the new lawsuit. The company is also at a critical juncture as it promotes vehicles designed to operate safely without a driver in the seat, making safety assurances particularly important amid ongoing scrutiny.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Krysta Tsukahara and the ensuing lawsuit underscore growing concerns over Tesla’s vehicle safety, particularly emergency egress and door design. The case adds to mounting legal and regulatory pressure as Tesla navigates public trust and compliance issues in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.