Urgent Probe: Tesla Model Y Door Handles Risk Trapping Kids
URGENT UPDATE: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into potential door-handle issues affecting approximately 174,290 Tesla Model Y vehicles from 2021. Reports indicate that children are getting trapped inside these vehicles, prompting immediate scrutiny from safety regulators.
According to documents released by the NHTSA, there have been nine reported incidents where electronic door handles became inoperative, leaving parents unable to access their children inside the vehicles. In some cases, parents were forced to break windows to regain entry. The investigation was officially opened on Monday, and the alarming reports have raised significant safety concerns.
The NHTSA’s findings suggest that a low voltage issue in the vehicle’s 12VDC battery may render the door handles unusable, blocking reentry for parents. Most incidents involved parents exiting their Tesla Model Y to retrieve their child or placing them in the vehicle, only to find themselves locked out.
“Although Tesla vehicles have manual door releases, children may not be able to access them without adult assistance,” the NHTSA report states. This highlights a critical safety gap that could lead to dangerous situations, especially in emergencies.
Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. However, Robyn Denholm, Tesla’s board chair, previously emphasized that safety is the company’s “number one factor.” She acknowledged that manual overrides do exist, but acknowledged the design may pose challenges during critical moments.
This investigation follows earlier reports by Bloomberg that criticized Tesla’s design elements, such as flush handles, which may complicate access for both occupants and first responders in emergencies. Earlier this year, Tesla also faced scrutiny over its crash reporting practices regarding Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.
As of now, the NHTSA has not reported any injuries or fatalities linked to the door-handle issues. However, the urgency of the situation cannot be understated, as a growing number of Tesla owners express their frustrations online. Many have reported similar incidents of becoming trapped inside their vehicles when electrical systems fail.
The agency’s preliminary review indicates that the lockout condition often occurs without prior warnings, leaving owners unprepared. “Available repair invoices report replacement of the vehicle’s low voltage battery after the incident,” the NHTSA noted, raising questions about the reliability of the vehicle’s power systems.
Tesla’s proactive approach to customer safety will be tested as the NHTSA continues its investigation. Stakeholders are advised to monitor developments closely, as this situation could escalate further.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical safety investigation as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the issue. Share your thoughts and experiences regarding Tesla’s safety measures on social media to help raise awareness.
