U.S. auto safety regulators are currently investigating potential defects in the door handles of certain Tesla models. Since the probe began several days ago, the agency has received additional consumer complaints, citing difficulties entering or exiting vehicles due to battery failures.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) referenced these new complaints in an October 27 letter to Tesla, following the investigation's launch in mid-September. Tesla Model Y owners reported that exterior door handles became inoperable due to low-voltage battery failures, with some cases involving children trapped inside vehicles.
The letter provides insight into NHTSA's ongoing investigation, initiated days after incidents showed injuries or fatalities when occupants couldn't open Tesla doors following battery failures or crashes. Tesla's longtime design chief subsequently stated the company was working on door handle improvements.
NHTSA requested information not only about the 2021 Model Y under investigation but also about what it termed "peer vehicles"—specifically 2017-2022 Model 3 sedans and 2020 and 2022 Model Y SUVs.
The agency demanded Tesla disclose the number of consumer complaints received regarding the alleged defect, along with reports of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. NHTSA also sought details about lawsuits and arbitration proceedings related to door operation issues.
Launched on September 15 based on nine complaints dating back to July 2023, the investigation revealed cases where owners couldn't open Tesla doors to either remove children from rear seats or place them inside. Within ten days of the probe's start, NHTSA received seven more complaints.
A Model Y owner from Chula Vista, California, described being trapped with their son in a car seat for 30 "agonizing" minutes until a tow truck jump-started the vehicle. Another owner from Coral Springs, Florida, reported being unable to re-enter their Model Y after securing their son when the 12-volt battery died.
"My infant son was trapped inside," wrote the Tesla owner about a December 2023 incident in 80°F (26.7°C) Florida heat. "I had no choice but to call 911 for help rescuing him."
The most recent complaint, filed September 26, involved an 8-month-old baby trapped in a Model Y for about 30 minutes. The owner wrote: "With interior temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C), my child turned red, sweated profusely, and cried uncontrollably while immobilized in the car seat."
Santa Barbara police and firefighters ultimately smashed a window to rescue the infant. Medical personnel noted abnormal vital signs and recommended hospital evaluation.
NHTSA gave Tesla until December 10 to respond to its information request.