On the Dash:
- NHTSA is investigating reports from nine Tesla Model Y owners who claim that the doors cannot be opened from the outside.
- The probe focuses on safety hazards tied to low-voltage battery failures, which could trap passengers, including children.
- While centered on 174,290 SUVs, the investigation could expand to other Tesla models if similar defects are found.
On Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it’s opening a preliminary investigation into Tesla’s Model Y sport utility vehicles after reports that electronic door handles may fail due to issues with low-voltage batteries. The probe covers an estimated 174,000 vehicles but could expand to other models.
NHTSA said its review focuses on whether Tesla doors can be opened from outside when the electronic locks stop working, noting that the circumstance poses the highest risk since there is no manual external release. “The agency will continue to monitor any reports of entrapment involving opening doors from inside the vehicle,” regulators wrote in documents posted online, adding it will “take further action as needed.”
The decision follows a Bloomberg News investigation that revealed that individuals were injured or killed when they could not open Tesla doors after a power loss, especially during accidents. Since 2018, Bloomberg has received over 140 customer complaints about Tesla doors sticking or failing to operate.
The new evaluation was prompted by nine complaints from owners of 2021 Model Y SUVs. The most common reports involved parents unable to reopen the doors to retrieve or secure children in the back seat. NHTSA noted that while Tesla vehicles are equipped with manual releases inside, young passengers may not be able to reach or operate them in emergencies.
Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm said the company takes safety incidents seriously, but the agency’s evaluation could lead to a broader defect investigation and potential recall if regulators determine the problem is widespread.
