Well, Consumer Reports was close

Consumer Reports

We often cite Consumer Reports (CR) articles we see on automotive matters, but a recent CR article about one of our favorite topics, electronic locks and latches, sent us back to review our own Get Out page.

They were close.

We’re talking about getting out of a vehicle equipped with electronic locks and latches in the event that the 12-volt start battery fails. These electronic systems require redundant mechanical back-up, which in our opinion make them a useless exercise in manufacturer vanity and should simply be banned.

In any event, the CR article assigned the rear door exit process for the Cybertruck while talking the Model Y! Anyone trying to exit the Model Y using it would leave the occupants trapped inside.

And accuracy here is very important as these are safety issues.

For the record, only 2025 and newer Model Y and 2024 and newer Model 3 even offer a back-up exit option, which CR did not mention. Previous model years would require that rear seat occupants crawl through to the front to exit in a power emergency.

As described by Tesla, on the newer models, you will find a slot in front of what is a release cover at the bottom of each rear door pocket (right). Slide a finger into the slot and lift the cover away. A mechanical release cable is then seen which must be pulled forward.

There were other minor quibbles, such as whether or not a door handle needs to be pulled twice rather than just once, but the processes were otherwise accurately described.

We contacted CR about our concern, and we will stay on the case.

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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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