U.S. auto safety regulators have initiated an investigation into approximately 200,000 Tesla electric vehicles due to safety concerns surrounding non-functional door handles on specific models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced this move on September 15 after receiving multiple reports indicating that the electronic door handles on certain Tesla Model Y vehicles, which previously operated normally, are failing to open.
The NHTSA highlighted that they had documented nine instances in which parents found themselves unable to open the doors of their vehicles to retrieve children, raising alarm over potential entrapment risks. While Tesla vehicles are equipped with manual door releases located inside the car, young children may struggle to operate them, especially if the driver is unaware of the situation. Disturbingly, in four of the reported occurrences, parents resorted to breaking windows to gain entry to their vehicles.
The NHTSA expressed deep concern regarding entrapment inside a vehicle, particularly under emergency circumstances or when children are left in a hot environment. An initial review conducted by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation identified that the issue appears to stem from the electronic door locks receiving inadequate voltage, resulting in malfunctioning door handles.
The investigation specifically involves 174,290 Tesla Model Y vehicles from the year 2021. The NHTSA stated that they will continue to monitor reported incidents of entrapment associated with opening doors from the inside and will take any necessary actions based on the findings.
In a recent notice, the NHTSA confirmed that the Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is aimed at assessing both the scope and severity of the issue, alongside the potential risks that may arise from the reported conditions. For further information regarding this investigation, individuals can contact the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or visit their official website at nhtsa.gov.
