The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration mentioned Tuesday it had opened an investigation into about 174,000 Tesla Mannequin Y vehicles from the 2021 mannequin yr over studies that digital door handles can change into inoperative.
NHTSA mentioned it had obtained studies citing an lack of ability to open exterior doorways, together with after dad and mom exited the automobile to take away a baby or to position a baby within the rear seat earlier than beginning a visit.
Elon Musk's Tesla didn't instantly reply to a Reuters request for remark.
NHTSA's preliminary analysis is step one earlier than the company might search a recall of the automobiles if it believes they pose an unreasonable danger to security.
NHTSA mentioned it has 9 studies of fogeys being unable to open doorways on 2021 Tesla Mannequin Y automobiles. In these studies, dad and mom have been unable to reopen a door to regain entry to the automobile and in 4 situations dad and mom resorted to breaking a window to regain entry into the automobile.
The company famous that Tesla automobiles have guide door releases inside, however youngsters might not have the ability to entry or function the releases even when the automobile's driver is conscious of them.
NHTSA mentioned its preliminary evaluate suggests this situation seems to happen when the digital door locks obtain inadequate voltage from the automobile.
The company mentioned restore invoices report alternative of the automobile's low voltage battery after incidents, however no house owners reported seeing low-voltage battery warnings previous to exterior door handles failing.
