In a troubling move, U.S. regulators have initiated an investigation into potentially faulty door handles in certain Tesla models, following alarming reports of exterior handles malfunctioning and consequently trapping children inside vehicles.
On Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a preliminary probe focused on the electronically powered door handles of 2021 Model Y vehicles. This investigation involves nearly 175,000 automobiles and aims to determine the severity and prevalence of the issue.
According to the NHTSA, the investigation specifically targets the operability of electronic door locks from the outside, as this scenario leaves no manual way to open the door. The agency expressed its commitment to continuing to monitor any reports of entrapment related to opening doors from the interior, stating that the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) will take further action if necessary.
The probe was launched shortly after a recent Bloomberg investigation uncovered multiple incidents where individuals faced dangerous situations or even fatalities due to power loss in Teslas—typically following crashes—resulting in doors becoming inoperable. Since 2018, the NHTSA has received over 140 complaints regarding Tesla doors failing to open or getting stuck.
This marks the NHTSA’s third ongoing investigation into Tesla vehicles. The agency is currently also looking into the safety of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving features and driver-assistance systems. The recent investigation was prompted by nine reported instances where individuals could not access the doors of 2021 Model Y cars from the outside.
In many cases, these problems arose when parents exited the vehicle to place or retrieve a child from the back seat, only to find that the doors would not open upon their return.
While it is important to note that Tesla vehicles do feature manual door releases within, a child may lack the capability or knowledge to operate them effectively. Alarmingly, in four reported cases, individuals had no choice but to break a window to re-enter the car.
The NHTSA highlights the seriousness of this defect, particularly in emergency situations where individuals—especially young children—may be left trapped in a hot vehicle.
Reports suggest that the issue typically arises when the electronic door locks fail to receive sufficient power from the car’s system. Repair records indicate that in several instances, the car’s low-voltage battery was replaced following the malfunctions, although drivers had not reported any low-voltage battery warnings prior to the issues occurring.
Tesla’s Owner Manual outlines a complicated multi-step process to restore power to the electronic door locks using an external 12-volt source. However, this solution may not be practical during an emergency.
As of now, Tesla has not provided a response to a request for comment from Gizmodo.
What should Tesla owners know about this door handle issue?
The ongoing investigation emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant if you own a Tesla Model Y from 2021. Awareness of potential issues can help you be prepared in case of emergencies.
How can I tell if my Tesla door handles are malfunctioning?
If you face difficulties opening your Tesla’s doors, especially from the outside, it’s vital to report these incidents to the NHTSA and seek assistance from Tesla customer support.
What are the safety features in Tesla cars?
Tesla vehicles come equipped with various safety features, including electronic locking systems, crash avoidance technology, and manual door releases, designed to enhance safety but may have flaws as identified in recent reports.
Is Tesla addressing the issues with their electronic door locks?
While Tesla has not provided specific details regarding remediation plans at this time, it is crucial for the organization to address these concerns proactively in customer communications.
In conclusion, the ongoing investigations into Tesla’s door handle challenges spotlight a pressing safety issue. Staying informed and proactive is essential for all Tesla owners. For the latest updates and reliable content, continue exploring related topics at Moyens I/O.