Tesla Model Y door handles now under federal safety scrutiny

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a safety investigation into the door handles of the Tesla Model Y. This decision comes despite perceptions of reduced oversight from the agency, particularly following recent governmental shifts under Elon Musk's leadership. The scrutiny follows a significant report that highlighted the potential dangers associated with the Model Y's retractable door handles. According to Bloomberg's Dana Hull, these handles depend on the vehicle's 12-volt battery for operation. In the event of a battery failure, the doors cannot be opened from the outside, creating a perilous situation for occupants, especially in emergencies where first responders struggle to rescue individuals trapped inside. While front-seat passengers have access to emergency door releases, the situation is different for rear-seat passengers. Some Tesla models, including the Model Y, lack accessible means to open rear doors from the inside following a collision. More recent iterations of the Model 3 and Model Y have introduced manual release mechanisms hidden beneath panels located under the rear seats, but concerns remain about their effectiveness during critical situations.