NHTSA Launches Sweeping Probe into 174,000 Tesla Model Y Door Handle Failures

A significant safety concern has emerged for approximately 174,000 Tesla Model Y owners, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary evaluation into reports of malfunctioning door handles. This investigation targets 2023 and 2024 Model Y vehicles, where owners have reported incidents of door handles failing to operate, preventing access or egress from the vehicle.

The federal safety agency's action comes after receiving 12 consumer complaints detailing instances where the Model Y's exterior door handles either wouldn't extend or, in some cases, failed to allow the doors to open entirely.

Alarmingly, seven of these complaints describe complete failures of the door handles, rendering the doors inoperable. This raises serious safety questions, particularly regarding occupant safety in emergency situations or crashes where rapid egress is critical.

Tesla's unique door handle design, often flush with the vehicle's body, has been a distinctive feature of its vehicles.

While previous generations of Model 3 and Model Y (2020-2021 models) faced separate issues leading to a recall related to service access doors not latching properly, this current probe into the main exterior door handles of newer Model Ys appears to be a distinct and potentially more pressing safety matter.

NHTSA's preliminary evaluation (PE) is the initial step in a comprehensive investigation process.

During this phase, the agency will meticulously gather data to ascertain the full scope, frequency, and safety implications of the reported failures. Should the investigation reveal a widespread defect posing an unreasonable risk to safety, it could escalate to an Engineering Analysis, potentially culminating in a mandatory recall affecting the substantial number of Model Y vehicles under scrutiny.

Owners of the affected Tesla Model Y models are advised to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents to NHTSA to contribute to the ongoing investigation.

This probe underscores the continuous scrutiny electric vehicle manufacturers face regarding not just performance, but also fundamental safety and operational reliability.