NHTSA - Defective Door Handles
Location: USA
Year Filed: 2025
Status:
Pending
Categories:
Defective Door Handles + Fire Fatality NHTSA/Other Investigation
Case Summary
Subject: Electronic door handles become inoperative
NHTSA investigation: PE25010
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Products: 2021 Tesla Model Y
Population: 174,290 (Estimated)
Problem Description: Electronic door handles become inoperative due to low battery voltage in the vehicle (12VDC low voltage battery), impeding vehicle reentry.
Other notes: There have been several reports of children being locked inside, with parents in some cases needing to break windows to reach them.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2025/INOA-PE25010-18817.pdf