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Tesla Model Y Door Handles Under Federal Safety Scrutiny: A Closer Look
Tesla’s Model Y has found itself in a precarious position as its unique door handles are now under federal safety investigation. This scrutiny follows reports of serious safety hazards tied to the vehicle’s innovative yet problematic design, prompting safety regulators to take action.
What the Investigation is About
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation following numerous complaints regarding the Model Y’s flush-mounted retractable door handles. These handles are designed to maintain the vehicle’s sleek appearance but rely heavily on the vehicle’s 12 V battery. In the event of a power failure, the consequence is dire — the doors become inoperable from the outside, potentially trapping occupants inside.
As highlighted in a recent report by Bloomberg, this safety concern has already led to life-threatening situations. First responders have noted significant challenges in accessing passengers trapped inside burning Teslas, exacerbated by the vehicle’s reliance on electrical systems.
Complaints Spark Safety Inquiry
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received nine complaints concerning the 2021 Model Y, with many owners recounting instances where a dead 12 V battery rendered their door handles useless. The scenarios are alarming: parents have reported being unable to open rear doors, finding their children or pets trapped inside on hot days. In some cases, breaking a window was the only option to free trapped individuals.
The reports also reveal another layer of complexity. Although some models include manual emergency door releases, the agency warns that small children may struggle to access or operate these features, leaving them susceptible during an emergency. Furthermore, there is no warning light to indicate a low battery condition before failure, adding to the precariousness of the situation.
Criticism Over Complicated Procedures
The NHTSA’s critique extends to the challenging procedure required to restart a Tesla in situations where the 12 V battery has died. Restarting necessitates external power, with the need to connect to two different locations accessible only from outside the vehicle — a task that may be daunting for some owners.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Tesla Model Y’s door handles emphasizes a critical issue in the intersection of advanced automotive design and safety. As Tesla pushes the boundaries with its innovative features, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining robust safety measures. Ensuring that advanced designs do not compromise basic accessibility is an ongoing challenge for manufacturers.
As the NHTSA probes further, the automotive community watches closely, eager to see how Tesla will address these safety concerns while retaining the sleek designs that have become synonymous with its brand.
This article aims to encapsulate the key points from the original reference while adopting a blog style similar to that of Ars Technica.