by Investigation into Tesla Model Y over door handle issues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into approximately 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year due to reports of malfunctioning rear door handles. A particular cause for concern were nine cases where parents were unable to open the rear doors to reach their children inside.
Alarming incidents involving parents and children
Four of these cases were particularly dramatic: parents smashed the windows of their own vehicles to rescue trapped children. These situations were part of the official complaints filed with the NHTSA, which allege that the electric vehicle’s rear doors did not function properly. The agency is considering a possible recall of these vehicles due to the potential safety risk.
Causes and technical aspects of the problem
According to the investigation, the problem occurs when parents exit the vehicle but, before they have a chance to open the rear doors, the vehicle loses power and the doors stop functioning. This creates a particular danger in emergencies, for example, when children are locked inside a heated car.
As stated in the NHTSA report: “Being trapped in a vehicle is particularly alarming in emergencies, such as cases where children are trapped in a hot car.”
It is important to note that in the incidents reviewed, there were no warning signals about low battery voltage. According to the preliminary investigation report, this problem occurs when the electronic door locks receive insufficient voltage from the vehicle. Repair invoices indicate replacement of the low-voltage battery after the incident, but no complaint contained information about low voltage warnings before the exterior door handles stopped working.
Broader context of automotive electronic system issues
This investigation is the first step towards a potential recall and adds to a growing list of similar safety probes in recent years. Tesla has already faced numerous complaints about various safety aspects, from physical design to issues related to Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. However, similar problems are not limited to Tesla alone.
For example, Ford has also had issues with electronic door systems, particularly with the Mustang Mach-E model, leading to a recall and a stop-sale order. Ford’s solution was a software update that provides clearer warnings when the low-voltage battery is depleted. A similar approach may be applied to Tesla, but for now, we will have to wait for further clarification.
Problems with automotive electronic systems are becoming increasingly relevant amid the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the implementation of complex technologies. The lack of warning signals in the event of failures in critical systems, such as door mechanisms, can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to child safety. This highlights the need for more thorough testing and improved safety mechanisms to prevent similar situations in the future.
