Children allegedly confined due to malfunctioning door handles on Tesla vehicles, causing concern and an ongoing investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into potential defects in the electronic door handles of 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles. The inquiry comes after nine reports of the door handles failing to function, possibly due to low battery voltage.
According to NHTSA, the incidents seem to occur when the electronic door locks receive insufficient voltage from the vehicle. This issue, if confirmed, could potentially trap individuals inside the vehicle. Notably, it has been observed that none of the individuals who reported these incidents saw a low-voltage battery warning before the exterior door handles became inoperative.
The investigation will focus on the approach Tesla uses to supply power to the door locks and the reliability of the applicable power supplies. NHTSA will also assess the scope and severity of the condition, including the risks associated with the reported incidents.
This investigation follows a series of other probes by NHTSA into Tesla's vehicles. Last year, the agency opened an investigation into driver-assistance features in 2.4 million Teslas after several crashes in fog and other low-visibility conditions. NHTSA is also currently investigating Tesla's "summon" technology, which has reportedly led to some fender benders in parking lots.
In a more concerning incident, college basketball recruit Alijah Arenas was unable to exit his burning Tesla Cybertruck after a crash in April. He had to use a water bottle to stay alive while smoke filled the vehicle.
NHTSA will continue to monitor reports of people being trapped inside Tesla vehicles ("entrapment") and take further action as needed. It's worth noting that there are no search results indicating that politicians are specifically investigating events related to the security of doors in Tesla vehicles.
Tesla is under fire on multiple fronts. In addition to the NHTSA investigations, the company is also facing a lawsuit regarding the Tesla Model 3 doors in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Last year, relatives of a Tesla Model 3 driver who was trapped in his car and burned beyond recognition sued Tesla for negligence and fraud for failing to fix what they called a design flaw in the doors.
Despite these challenges, Tesla's stock has been on the rise. It rose more than 2% to $419.25 in afternoon trading Tuesday following a jump the day before, with Elon Musk having bought $1 billion worth of shares. Musk has also promised to put hundreds of thousands of self-driving Tesla cars and Tesla robotaxis on roads by the end of next year.
As the investigations continue, it remains to be seen how Tesla will address these issues and ensure the safety of its drivers and passengers.
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