Best automotive back-up interior door releases

Back-up door releases.

There are two types of back-up interior door releases that we find acceptable for use in the event of a power failure, circumventing the then useless electronic door locks and latches, and truly only one that get it right.

We’ll start there, but before we do, please know this: there is always a way out, at minimum on the front doors. If the key fob or remote is outside the car, or if there is an electrical problem, the vehicle’s doors can always be opened. This website or your owner’s manual will have the answer.

Since we ripped on auto manufacturers for very poor decisions regarding back up interior door releases, it seems only fair to point out the good ones.

Best back up exit option to date

Audi

If a car maker is going to insist on using electronic locks and latches — thus requiring more parts and cost in a back up system — they should absolutely follow this lead. And some have.

We first saw this in an Audi e-tron EV, and it is completely and utterly human. The door opens when the handle is pulled. However, if the power fails simply pulling the handle harder, which is exactly what the first human instinct would be, moves the handle further out and engages a mechanical back up.

Simple indeed, completely intuitive, and exists on all four doors.

Copycats

Lucid, Polestar and Volvo have since followed suit and again in all four doors, With Polestar and Volvo models, the rear doors require a double pull, but this is also completely intuitive — if something doesn’t work the first time, who among will not try a second time?

We recorded this in a Polestar 3. The gif (right) doesn’t include the sound, but, with power, the latch release is clearly heard, and the extra pull creates a separate and distinct release sound.

The second tier

Others come close, where a mechanical handle is at minimum on the door panel, or better yet the armrest. Intuitive to the extent that the back up is on the door and near the primary opening mechanism.

Tesla

Tesla is featured heavily in our list of worst mechanical back up options, all involving exiting from the rear seats. In contrast, they are near the top of the best list for exiting the front doors.

If a power failure is encountered in any Tesla model, a mechanical release is found somewhat intuitively at the front of either arm rest (right). Pull it up and the door will open.

Lincoln, Fiat and Maserati

Lincoln, Fiat and Maserati all offer a mechanical release in very similar locations just below the armrest in the center of the door (right). The designers get credit for placing this where a driver would look first in the event of an emergency – in the door itself.

Sadly – and this may come back to haunt Lincoln – there isn’t one on the passenger door.

In Fiat and Maserati models, both front doors include the mechanical release.

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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 — 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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