A Hot Mess in a Tesla: The Start of a Terrifying Ordeal

Everyone loves a good tech horror story, right? Well, buckle up, because Brianna Janel of Costa Mesa, California, experienced a real nail-biter. Picture this: an oppressively hot day, temperatures soaring to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), and Brianna, stuck in her otherwise beloved Tesla, enduring a tech malfunction from hell.

When 24 Minutes Turns into 40: The Update That Just Wouldn’t End

So, here’s what went down. Brianna set out to update her Tesla’s system, thinking she had a mere 24 minutes of downtime ahead. Little did she know, those 24 minutes would stretch into a mind-melting 40. As the seconds ticked by, the heat inside the car ratcheted up to unbearable levels. “Inside my car, it’s 103 degrees, so I’m slightly freaking out. I hope I don’t run out of air,” Brianna lamented in a TikTok video that, spoiler alert, went viral. We’re talking nearly 30 million views, folks.

No Open Windows, No Open Doors: The Panic Sets In

As the car’s interior transformed into a mobile oven, Brianna’s stress soared. Rolling down the windows or opening the doors was out of the question; she feared damaging her precious vehicle. “I can’t open up the doors or the windows otherwise I could potentially damage my car, so I’m just stuck in here roasting like a frickin chicken dripping sweat,” she divulged to her TikTok fans. Adding insult to injury, her Chick-fil-A was getting cold, intensifying her discomfort and frustration.

Going Viral: A Sauna-like Saga in a Tesla

Brianna’s nightmarish episode didn’t go unnoticed. In a follow-up video, she recounted her desperate escape, noting that the car’s temperature had soared to a staggering 115 degrees. “I literally made it out of my car. The AC has never felt so good, and I’ve never felt better. I feel like I just took a bath,” she exclaimed, dripping in sweat. Six years of Tesla ownership, and this was a first—one she vowed would be the last of its kind.

The Wisdom of Hindsight: Tips for Future Tesla Updates

Reflecting on her harrowing trial, Brianna offered sage advice to fellow Tesla owners: “Do not update it when you’re sitting in the car. Stick to updating it at 2am like I used to do it.” Her recommendation highlights the need for a secure, comfortable setting when undertaking car updates. Who needs another impromptu sauna session?

Surprise! Tesla’s Manual Door Release is a Thing

A little-known fact: Tesla vehicles come with manual door releases for emergencies, such as battery depletion scenarios. Brianna’s saga made it clear that knowing how to operate these features is a must. Seriously, how many of us read the manual cover to cover?

Modern Cars and Their Fancy Door Releases

Did you think Teslas were the only ones with high-tech door releases? Think again. According to Consumer Reports, vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Corvette, Audi E-Tron, and Lucid Air all feature similar electronic interior door releases. While these innovations are convenient, they also stress the importance of understanding manual overrides. Remember the 2006 incident reported by Consumer Reports? A driver was trapped for 14 hours due to a flat battery and ignorance about the manual release. It’s a lesson in being prepared, folks.

@brianna__janel

Replying to @mm I’M FREE. Thank you for your concerns. Some of you were telling me there was a way I could’ve gotten out but I was afraid to mess up my car. Thats why i said i was stuck lol #tesla #teslatok

♬ original sound – brianna | 2025 BRIDE