Tesla is currently under investigation for issues related to electronic door handles that may pose a risk of trapping occupants inside their vehicles, specifically children. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated the investigation following numerous complaints from Tesla owners. These complaints highlight incidents where children were inadvertently locked inside cars without a means of escape.
The focus of the investigation is primarily on approximately 174,290 Model Y SUVs. The NHTSA’s examination aims to assess how Tesla supplies power to door locks, particularly in situations where a low-voltage battery may cause the handles to become inoperable. Reports indicate that parents have struggled to open the doors to retrieve their children when trapped in the backseat. Although Tesla vehicles are equipped with manual door releases, it has been noted that certain individuals, particularly young children, may not be able to use them effectively.
The NHTSA pointed out that entrapment is especially concerning during emergencies, referencing the potential dangers posed when children are trapped in a vehicle in hot conditions. The regulatory body is also monitoring other reports involving door operations from within the vehicle and may take further action as necessary.
This investigation into Tesla’s door handles is not an isolated issue for the company. Tesla is also facing scrutiny for its reporting practices related to crashes involving its partially autonomous driving technology and its remote parking feature, following multiple crash incidents. The ongoing NHTSA investigation raises questions about vehicle safety features and the implications of electronic door systems in emergency scenarios.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/778980/tesla-nhtsa-investigation-door-handles-trap