Tesla was the first carmaker to introduce flush door handles - Smith Collection/Gado/Archive PhotosTesla could be forced to redesign the hidden door handles on its electric vehicles (EVs) that have been blamed for trapping people inside burning cars.Elon Musk's car business has been facing scrutiny over the electronic latches on its EVs following a string of deadly incidents where the handles are alleged to have failed.The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has said it plans to introduce new rules to address safety risks surrounding the door handles.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt follows a string of incidents in which Tesla drivers have reported being trapped inside burning vehicles after the electronic door release mechanisms on their cars stopped working after crashes.An investigation by Bloomberg uncovered at least 15 incidents where people had died as a result of the electric switches failing because of power cuts inside their vehicles after impacts.Tesla drivers have also reported struggling to escape their cars as they struggled to find the manual release hatches as their vehicles became engulfed in flames.In a petition to the US highways watchdog, one driver alleged that their Tesla Model 3 had lost power after a head-on collision and caught fire. Its door mechanisms failed, forcing the driver to escape via a rear window.AdvertisementAdvertisementTesla was the first carmaker to introduce flush door handles, giving its cars their sleek, futuristic look.On the inside, some Tesla vehicles also feature an electronic button to open the door, rather than a traditional handle.In some models, drivers are expected to find a hidden pulley system concealed in the door pocket to manually release the doors if the power fails.In response to the petition, the NHTSA said it had declined to launch an investigation into Tesla's door handles. However, it said it would begin work on new rules that would "mandate a robust and obvious door egress system in all motor vehicles".AdvertisementAdvertisementA spokesman added it would be seeking information on potential new safety rules and no final decision had been made.Recessed and electronic door handles have surged in popularity among electric car manufacturers, in particular among Chinese EV brands. Other carmakers such as Jaguar Land Rover have also added "pop out" door handles to their vehicles.Tesla said last year it planned to redesign the switches to make them more intuitive. Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla's chief designer, told Bloomberg the company would make the handles easier to use in a "panic situation".China became the first country in the world to ban the hidden door handles in response to the safety concerns. The new rules come into force from January 2027 and require that all cars have manual handles on the inside and outside of every passenger door.AdvertisementAdvertisementEuropean regulators have also flagged concerns around the electronic door handles as a key priority, citing issues about people being trapped inside cars.Tesla was contacted for comment.Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.