Tesla under investigation for door handles that trap people inside

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched the probe, saying it was responding to numerous complaints filed by Tesla owners, with a particular focus on children who have been locked inside the vehicle without any way to get out. The news comes a few days after Bloomberg published a bombshell report about Tesla owners who have been seriously injured after becoming trapped in their vehicles after crashes."

"Tesla's door handles, which operate electronically and sit flush against the vehicle for improved aerodynamics, have been the source of some consternation for some time. China's government is considering banning electronic door handles for safety reasons. And now NHTSA says it is investigating instances in which Tesla's handles become inoperable as a result of low-voltage battery problems. The investigation specifically focuses on an estimated 174,290 Model Y SUVs, though the regulator said the investigation could widen:"

"This investigation will also assess the approach used by Tesla to supply power to the door locks and the reliability of the applicable power supplies. At this time, 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 whichthere is no manual way to open the door."

NHTSA opened a probe after numerous owner complaints and reports of occupants becoming trapped when electronic door handles become inoperable. The probe centers on around 174,290 Model Y SUVs but could expand to other vehicles or components. Investigators will assess Tesla's power-supply approach and the reliability of the applicable power supplies that operate door locks. The investigation focuses on operability from outside the vehicle because that is the situation without a manual opening method. The agency noted nine incidents of children trapped due to low-voltage battery problems and observed that manual releases may not be usable by certain occupants.

Read at The Verge