U.S. automotive safety regulators have launched an investigation into Tesla Motors' electric door lock systems over potential defects that could leave passengers trapped inside vehicles.

On Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed it is examining malfunctioning electric doors on 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles that fail to open properly.

According to a document published on the agency's website, while the current investigation covers a limited number of vehicles (approximately 174,000 units), regulators are assessing the scope and severity of the issue, suggesting the probe could potentially expand.

Since 2018, NHTSA has received more than 140 consumer complaints related to Tesla door malfunctions across various models, including doors getting stuck, failing to open, or experiencing other operational failures. The agency is particularly concerned about door failures caused by insufficient power supply from low-voltage batteries.

In multiple cases, parents have informed regulators they were unable to reopen Tesla doors to retrieve children from rear seats. NHTSA stated:

Vehicle entrapment is especially concerning during emergency situations, such as children trapped in high-temperature vehicles.

Investigation Scope and Focus

The U.S. regulatory probe will evaluate Tesla's power supply methods for door locks and the reliability of these power sources.

According to Tesla's user manual, every model sold in the U.S. market is equipped with electric doors.

Currently, the agency indicates the investigation centers on the possibility of operating electric door locks from outside the vehicle, as there is no manual method to open Tesla doors externally during power failures.

In some instances, owners have reported to NHTSA that they were forced to break windows to regain access to their vehicles.

While Tesla vehicles are equipped with internal manual release mechanisms, regulators noted:

Even if vehicle drivers are aware of their existence, children may be unable to locate or operate these release devices.

Michael Brooks, Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, has called for regulatory rules ensuring manual release mechanisms are positioned in standardized, easily discoverable locations. He emphasized:

Simply noting manual unlock locations in user manuals is insufficient to inform passengers, as they lack the opportunity to read manuals when fires or other emergencies occur.

Industry Trends and Global Regulatory Developments

Beyond the 2021 Model Y, owners of other Tesla models have also complained to U.S. regulators about similar door operation failures following low-voltage battery malfunctions.

Media reports indicate related complaints involve 2012 Model S, 2023 Model 3, and 2020, 2022, and 2023 Model Y vehicles.

Although Tesla pioneered concealed electric door handles, many automakers have subsequently adopted similar designs. Consequently, door-related issues are increasingly drawing attention from automotive safety advocates and have caught the notice of global regulatory bodies.

Critics argue that hidden door handles may complicate rescue operations and shift responsibility to passengers unfamiliar with manual release mechanisms.

Additionally, existing crash tests are designed to measure occupant survivability during impacts, not their ability to quickly exit vehicles afterward. Escape challenges may be particularly acute for disabled individuals, pets, young children, or elderly passengers.

This investigation compounds the regulatory pressure already facing Tesla Motors, which is currently subject to other U.S. regulatory investigations regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system and Autopilot assisted driving technology.