The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into the safety risks associated with the electronic door handles in approximately 174,000 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles. The investigation highlighted the potential for life-threatening situations, including inaccessibility due to malfunctioning rear door handles and the potential for children to be trapped inside.
Electronic door handles in vehicles under scrutiny
Electronic door handles have become increasingly common in modern cars in recent years due to their aesthetic and aerodynamic advantages. However, this technology can cause serious problems that directly impact safety if malfunctions occur.
Nine separate incidents were reported in complaints submitted to NHTSA regarding the Tesla Model Y. In four of these incidents, parents were forced to break windows to rescue their children trapped in their vehicles.
The complaints primarily focused on drivers attempting to open the doors after parking their vehicles to retrieve their children from the rear seats. Although the vehicles are equipped with manual door release mechanisms, it is reportedly difficult for young children to use these systems independently. This poses a serious safety risk to those inside the vehicle.
According to NHTSA’s initial technical assessment, the problem stems from the door locks being disabled due to low voltage. In electric vehicles, most electronic systems are powered by low-voltage batteries.
Although some repair records indicate that these small batteries have been replaced, users reported receiving no warning before the malfunction occurred. The agency emphasized that the system’s failure without warning catches users off guard and can have fatal consequences, such as being trapped inside, especially in hot weather.
Similar problems with electronic door handles have also been reported by other manufacturers. Ford was forced to issue a recall and halt sales after NHTSA intervened due to similar problems with its Mustang Mach-E.
In China, considerations are being given to banning these systems. Volkswagen announced in recent months that it would abandon electronic door handles and return to traditional mechanical systems.
These developments in the Tesla Model Y have once again questioned the balance between aesthetic and technology-focused choices in vehicle design and user safety.
Depending on the outcome of NHTSA’s ongoing investigation, Tesla may be required to issue recalls or offer software and hardware updates. The agency emphasizes that such systems should be equipped with more robust and user-warning features, particularly for child safety.
