The agency said on Tuesday, September 16, that the probe covers about 174,290 Model Y cars after receiving multiple complaints from owners who were unable to open exterior doors, particularly after stepping out to place or remove children in the rear seat or following a drive cycle.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) highlighted nine reports of door inoperability, including four cases in which owners broke windows to regain entry. The incidents point to child safety risks, especially in hot-weather situations where rapid access is critical.
While Tesla vehicles are equipped with interior manual door releases, ODI noted that children may be unable to reach or operate them, posing dangers during emergencies. The problem appears linked to low-voltage supply failures that render the electronic locks powerless, though owners reported no prior warning alerts before the issue occurred.
“NHTSA’s investigation is focused on the operability of the electronic door locks from outside of the vehicle as that circumstance is the only one in which there is no manual way to open the door,” the agency said. It will continue to monitor similar reports and “take further action as needed.”
The evaluation, designated PE25010, will assess the scope, frequency and safety implications of the failures. Tesla has not yet commented on the probe.
ALSO READ | ‘For you, Elon Musk’: INOX’s Siddharth Jain ‘beyond thrilled’ after buying Tesla EV
The move comes just days after a Bloomberg investigation detailed incidents in which people were injured or died after being unable to exit Tesla vehicles when power was lost, particularly during crashes.
ALSO READ | Tesla’s stock rises as Elon Musk buys more than 2.5 million shares worth about $1 billion
(With inputs from agencies)
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Sept 16, 2025 5:41 PM IST