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Federal Regulators Investigate Faulty Tesla Model Y Door Handles

Federal safety regulators are investigating approximately 174,300 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs for faulty electronic door handles, which have reportedly trapped occupants, including children, inside the vehicles.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • Federal safety regulators, including the NHTSA and the Office of Defects Investigation, have launched a probe into Tesla.
  • The investigation targets faulty electronic door handles on approximately 174,300 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs.
  • Concerns arose from reports of inoperable door handles, potentially trapping occupants, particularly children, inside the vehicles.
  • The issue stems from electronic locks receiving insufficient voltage, preventing the doors from opening manually or electronically.
  • Nine reports of inoperable handles have been received, with four instances where parents had to break windows to free trapped children.
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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources frame this story by presenting the door handle investigation as part of a broader pattern of safety concerns and corporate challenges. They connect the current probe to a history of severe incidents, expand the narrative to include other NHTSA investigations, and incorporate details about Tesla's sales decline and Elon Musk's controversial political activities, collectively portraying a company under significant scrutiny.

"The investigation involves 174,290 Tesla Model Y SUVs from model year 2021 and is focused on the functionality of the electronic door locks from outside of the vehicle."

CBS NewsCBS News
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Article

"The investigation into Tesla’s most popular model comes after numerous reported incidents in recent years of other problems with opening Tesla doors, sometime trapping drivers in burning vehicles after accidents and a loss of power."

Associated PressAssociated Press
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FAQ

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They are investigating faulty electronic door handles that can become inoperative, potentially trapping occupants inside the vehicle.

Approximately 174,300 Tesla Model Y SUVs from the 2021 model year are under investigation.

The preliminary review indicates the failures stem from electronic locks receiving insufficient voltage, particularly related to the vehicle’s low-voltage battery.

The failure can trap occupants inside the vehicle; reports included situations where parents had to break windows to free children.

As of the latest reports, Tesla has not publicly commented on the NHTSA investigation.

History

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  • This story does not have any previous versions.