The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into approximately 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year due to reports of electronic door handle failures. According to a report by Reuters, the agency has received nine complaints describing situations where exterior door handles stopped working, leading to parents being unable to open the doors after exiting the vehicle to attend to their children in the back seat. In some cases, parents had to resort to breaking a window to regain access to their vehicle.
While Tesla vehicles do have manual door releases inside the cabin, NHTSA highlighted that children may not be able to reach or operate these mechanisms without assistance. The regulator’s initial findings suggest that the failures are linked to insufficient voltage being delivered to the electronic locks. Owners who experienced these issues often reported having to replace the vehicle’s low-voltage battery, with no prior warning of a low-voltage battery issue.
This initial evaluation marks the beginning of NHTSA’s defect investigation process, which could potentially lead to a recall if the agency deems the issue to pose an unreasonable safety risk. As of now, Tesla has not issued a public statement regarding the probe.
The investigation into electronic door handle failures is the latest in a series of Tesla features that have come under NHTSA scrutiny. Previously, the agency launched investigations into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and the “Actually Smart Summon” feature. The Model Y, Tesla’s top-selling vehicle, plays a crucial role in the company’s global growth strategy. A potential recall of nearly 174,000 units from the 2021 model year would have significant implications for both Tesla and its customers.
As the investigation unfolds, Tesla owners and enthusiasts will be closely monitoring any developments regarding the electronic door handle issue. Stay tuned for updates on this story as it continues to evolve.