Increasing Number of Parents Report That Tesla Doors Trapped Their Children Amid Growing Panic | Carscoops

      Federal authorities are pressing Tesla for internal documents related to complaints and incidents associated with electronic door handles.

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s electronic door handles and is seeking information regarding the Model 3 and Model Y. Owners have reported that their doors fail to open when the 12-volt battery power decreases.

      The pressure is mounting on Tesla as federal investigators gather information about issues with the cars' electronic door handles. The NHTSA reached out to Tesla last week, asking for access to internal documents that could illustrate the extent of a problem that has left some parents anxious, as they have been unable to rescue their children from overheated cars.

      After announcing its investigation into the alleged defects in September, the safety regulator indicated it received more reports from owners. Initially, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) noted nine complaints at the start of its probe, but this figure increased to 16 by last week.

      Many complainants claim they were unable to open the rear doors of their Model Y SUVs following a drop in 12-volt battery voltage, creating a troubling situation especially when children are in the vehicle.

      Each Model Y door is equipped with a mechanical emergency release accessible from inside the vehicle, but this mechanism is not very effective when a child is strapped into a car seat in the back.

      One Tesla owner recounted, "My infant son was trapped,” reflecting on an 80-degree day in Florida. With no alternatives available, they had to call 911 for assistance to remove their son from the car. Emergency responders in Santa Barbara reportedly had to break a window to rescue the child, who was found in distress and transported to an ambulance, where paramedics raised concerns over his vital signs.

      Another owner mentioned waiting an excruciating 30 minutes for a tow truck to arrive to jump-start the 12-volt battery, while others could not wait that long. Four reports in the ODI's files indicate that owners had to break windows to access the doors, but the investigators suspect that a larger number of owners may have encountered similar situations. The NHTSA is now requesting any data Tesla has that might indicate how widespread the matter is.

      The ODI's letter to Tesla dated October 27 asks for records of consumer complaints, field reports (including dealer reports), and documentation involving crashes, fires, injuries, fatalities, and property damage related to the electronic door handle issue.

      Additionally, the NHTSA requests any information on ongoing or concluded lawsuits, warranty claims, test results, internal investigations, design alterations, and more.

      The primary focus of the investigation is the MY21 Model Y, as highlighted by consumer complaints. However, the investigation also includes “peer vehicles,” which means Tesla will need to provide records for MY20 and MY22 Model Ys, along with MY17-22 Model 3s.

      If the ODI concludes that the door handles pose a safety risk, the NHTSA may compel Tesla to recall millions of vehicles to implement a remedy.