The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into Tesla Model Y vehicles following reports of electronic door handle failures that left children trapped inside cars, forcing desperate parents to break windows to rescue them.
The investigation centers on approximately 174,300 Model Y sport utility vehicles from 2021, after the agency received nine reports of electronic door handles becoming inoperative, possibly due to low battery voltage issues. In four documented cases, parents were forced to break car windows to retrieve their children from the back seats when the exterior door handles completely failed to function.
The safety probe highlights a critical design flaw in Tesla’s electronic door system. While the vehicles are equipped with manual door releases inside the cabin, NHTSA officials noted that children may not be able to reach or understand how to operate these emergency releases, creating potentially dangerous entrapment scenarios.
This investigation follows a Bloomberg News report that uncovered more than 140 consumer complaints related to Tesla door malfunctions across various models since 2018, including incidents where people were injured or died after being unable to open doors following crashes or power losses.
NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation specifically focuses on exterior door handle operability, as this represents the only scenario where no manual backup exists. The agency emphasized that it will continue monitoring reports of interior entrapment and may expand the investigation as needed.
The door handle failures appear to occur when the electronic locking mechanism receives insufficient voltage from the vehicle’s battery system. According to available repair documentation, affected vehicles typically required battery replacements following these incidents. Notably, none of the reported cases included advance warning through low battery alerts before the door handles became non-functional.
Tesla’s electronic door handles represent a departure from traditional automotive design, relying entirely on electrical power for exterior access. This innovation, while contributing to the vehicle’s sleek aesthetic and aerodynamic efficiency, creates unique safety challenges when the electrical system fails.
The investigation comes at a time when Tesla faces increased regulatory scrutiny over various safety concerns. Earlier incidents have involved Tesla vehicles catching fire after accidents, with occupants struggling to escape due to electronic door failures. In April, a college basketball player was trapped in a burning Tesla Cybertruck after a crash and had to douse himself with water while fighting to escape the smoke-filled vehicle.
NHTSA will assess the scope and severity of the door handle condition, including evaluating risks associated with the reported incidents. The agency plans to examine Tesla’s power supply approach for door locks and assess the reliability of the applicable electrical systems.
For affected Tesla owners, the investigation underscores the importance of familiarizing all family members, including children, with the location and operation of manual door releases. Parents are advised to practice emergency exit procedures with their children and ensure they understand how to access manual releases from inside the vehicle.
Tesla has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation. The company’s board chair, Robyn Denholm, previously stated that the board takes safety incidents seriously, though she declined to comment specifically on door handle issues.
This NHTSA investigation represents another significant regulatory challenge for the electric vehicle manufacturer, which has faced various safety probes and recalls in recent years. The outcome could potentially lead to recalls, design modifications, or enhanced safety warnings for affected vehicles.