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Tesla probed for potentially faulty door handles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla for faulty door handles on Model Y SUVs. Reports show users, especially parents, unable to exit the vehicle, necessitating window breaks in some cases. Issues arise from potential low voltage affecting electronic locks, although manual releases exist inside the car. Tesla has not commented on the investigation.
Key points
- NHTSA initiated an investigation due to nine reports of inoperable door handles on Model Y SUVs.
- Common issue faced by parents unable to access rear doors to remove children from the car.
- In four cases, owners broke windows to regain entry, indicating a serious safety concern.
- Preliminary review suggests electronic locks fail with low battery voltage, though no warning indicators were reported.
- Manual door releases are available but difficult for children to access and not well known to all owners.
- Restoring power to locks is complex, requiring an external power source.
Why it matters
- This incident highlights growing safety concerns surrounding electronic vehicle systems as automation increases.
- The investigation comes shortly after reports of Tesla owners being stuck inside vehicles post-crashes.
- By 2025, trends show more reliance on electronic features in vehicles, emphasizing the need for robust fail-safes.
- Safety incidents like this may impact consumer trust in electric vehicle technology and alternative safety measures.
The ongoing investigation into Tesla's door handle issues underscores the critical need for reliability in electronic vehicle systems, especially as technology evolves toward increased automation and complexity.