Tesla probed for potentially faulty door handles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a probe into reports regarding malfunctioning door handles on Tesla's Model Y SUVs. This investigation, disclosed by the agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), follows nine accounts from vehicle owners who experienced difficulties accessing their cars. A significant concern highlighted by ODI involves situations where parents, after exiting the vehicle, find themselves unable to open the rear doors to retrieve their children. In four documented instances, owners resorted to breaking windows to regain entry into their vehicles. This alarming trend comes shortly after a separate report by Bloomberg, which examined incidents where Tesla occupants found themselves trapped inside their cars following collisions. Preliminary findings from the ODI suggest that the door handles may become nonfunctional if the electronic locks do not receive adequate voltage from the vehicle's battery system. However, it’s important to note that none of the owners reporting this issue indicated they had experienced low-voltage battery alerts. Tesla vehicles do feature manual door releases located inside the car, yet these can be challenging for children to access. Additionally, many owners may not be aware of their existence, according to the ODI. While Tesla’s owner manuals indicate that it is possible to restore power to the electronic door locks, this process is complex and requires an external power source. As of now, Tesla has not provided any comments regarding the investigation.