NHTSA probes 2021 Tesla Model Y door handle failures
NHTSA opens probe into 2021 Tesla Model Y door-handle failures
NHTSA probes 2021 Tesla Model Y door handle failures
NHTSA is probing 174,000 2021 Tesla Model Y EVs over electronic door handles failing; windows were broken to reach kids. Low-voltage issues may trigger a recall.
2025-09-16T15:32:38+03:00
2025-09-16T15:32:38+03:00
2025-09-16T15:32:38+03:00
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into roughly 174,000 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles after complaints that the electronic door handles can stop working.According to the regulator, it has received nine reports in which owners were unable to open the doors from the outside. In four of those cases, parents broke a window to get back into the cabin and reach their children. The cars do have mechanical releases inside, but youngsters are not always able to operate them on their own. Situations that involve kids inevitably sharpen the safety stakes.This preliminary evaluation is the first step toward a possible recall if NHTSA concludes the defect poses a significant safety risk. Early information points to insufficient voltage being supplied to the electronic locks. In several instances, owners reported replacing the low-voltage battery even though there had been no warning that it was running down. It’s a pointed reminder that in modern EVs, the humble low-voltage system underpins everyday convenience features.Tesla has not issued an official comment. If the malfunction is confirmed, the company could face a new large-scale recall, once again bringing the reliability of its in-car electronics under scrutiny.
Tesla Model Y 2021, NHTSA investigation, electronic door handle failure, EV recall, low-voltage battery, 174,000 vehicles, child safety, electric locks, Tesla reliability, EV safety
2025
Michael Powers
news
NHTSA opens probe into 2021 Tesla Model Y door-handle failures
NHTSA is probing 174,000 2021 Tesla Model Y EVs over electronic door handles failing; windows were broken to reach kids. Low-voltage issues may trigger a recall.
Michael Powers, Editor
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into roughly 174,000 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles after complaints that the electronic door handles can stop working.
According to the regulator, it has received nine reports in which owners were unable to open the doors from the outside. In four of those cases, parents broke a window to get back into the cabin and reach their children. The cars do have mechanical releases inside, but youngsters are not always able to operate them on their own. Situations that involve kids inevitably sharpen the safety stakes.
This preliminary evaluation is the first step toward a possible recall if NHTSA concludes the defect poses a significant safety risk. Early information points to insufficient voltage being supplied to the electronic locks. In several instances, owners reported replacing the low-voltage battery even though there had been no warning that it was running down. It’s a pointed reminder that in modern EVs, the humble low-voltage system underpins everyday convenience features.
Tesla has not issued an official comment. If the malfunction is confirmed, the company could face a new large-scale recall, once again bringing the reliability of its in-car electronics under scrutiny.
