Tesla Inquiry Grows Over Door Handle Issue
Federal regulators ordered Tesla to comply with an investigation into possibly defective door handles that reportedly led to trapped passengers.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received scores of complaints on Tesla's electric vehicles.
- On Nov. 27, the NHTSA reported 16 cases of exterior, retractable door handles becoming "inoperative due to low 12VDC battery voltage" in certain 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles.
- Reports indicated children were trapped in the cars in some cases, and owners were unable to enter or exit vehicles due to battery issues that impeded door handle use.
- A deadly 2024 crash in Wisconsin led to a lawsuit claiming Tesla was negligent in its door handle designs.
No comment from Tesla or Elon Musk was reported.
Author's summary: Tesla faces investigation over defective door handles.