Tesla’s Model Y safety features are under the microscope after parents reported terrifying incidents of their children being locked inside the vehicle due to faulty electric door handles.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation confirmed it received nine complaints, several of which described parents being unable to open the doors after placing their children inside. With rising temperatures posing serious risks, four families resorted to breaking windows to get their kids out.
While all vehicles with electronic door systems are legally required to include manual door releases, Tesla’s setup isn’t exactly child-friendly. The interior levers are difficult for young kids to access, and the external emergency procedure requires opening the hood and applying 12V power—a process that’s too complicated in an emergency.
Experts say the low-voltage battery in the 2021 Model Y is likely the culprit. Unlike standard 12V systems in gas-powered vehicles, Tesla’s compact design leaves less margin for failure. Worse, owners reported no dashboard warnings before the malfunction occurred.
This probe covers about 174,000 Tesla Model Y units, highlighting growing concerns about EV safety in family scenarios. Parents are urging Tesla to issue a software update or recall to prevent further risks.
As Tesla pushes its image as a leader in autonomous driving and futuristic design, safety issues like this could undermine its reputation, especially among families seeking reliable electric SUVs.
How did families manage to rescue kids from locked Teslas?
In four reported cases, parents had to break the windows to get their children out.
Why do Tesla’s manual releases not solve the problem?
The manual levers are hard for kids to access, and the external override process is too complex in emergencies.
What is the role of Tesla’s low-voltage battery in this issue?
The failure occurs because the low-voltage battery powering door locks loses charge without warning.
