Launching a probe into 2021 Model Y cars, US regulators examine faulty door handles that may trap occupants.
US safety regulators are investigating more than 174,000 Tesla vehicles after reports that electronic door handles may fail to open, posing a risk of entrapment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on 15 September it had launched a preliminary evaluation into 2021 Tesla Model Y cars. The regulator received nine reports of faulty electronic handles which initially worked but later stopped functioning, preventing parents from reopening doors to reach children or animals inside.
In four of the reported incidents, parents said they were forced to smash windows to gain entry. While Tesla cars are fitted with manual interior releases, the NHTSA noted that children may not be able to locate or operate these mechanisms without assistance.
The agency said the Office of Defects Investigation would assess both the scope and severity of the issue and “take further action as needed”. It added that it would continue to monitor complaints and examine the risks associated with failed exterior handles, particularly where occupants may be unable to exit safely.
The probe affects 174,290 vehicles, all 2021 Model Y units, one of Tesla’s best-selling models globally. The investigation highlights ongoing scrutiny of the company’s technology-driven design features, which often rely heavily on electronic systems in place of traditional mechanical parts.
