Latch Architecture	Primary Operating Principle	Documented Failure Points	Occupant Safety Impact
Legacy Mechanical Latches	Physical rod or high-tensile steel cable connected directly to the striker pawl.	Cable stretching over 150,000+ miles; physical freezing in sub-zero moisture conditions.	Low risk. Purely physical operation ensures door egress during total vehicle power loss.
Electronic E-Latches (Audi Defect Litigation)	Interior microswitch relays CAN-bus signal to an electric actuator motor.	Actuator motor burnout, moisture ingress, software deadlock logic errors, power failure.	Critical risk. Trapped occupants cannot open doors; cabins may unlock unexpectedly when parked.
Capacitive Flush Handles (EV Standard)	Touch sensors command an electric motor to extend handles and open the latch.	Dead 12V auxiliary battery, frozen exterior hinges, severe side-impact damage.	High risk. First responders face delayed extrication if exterior handles fail to deploy.