Tesla under investigation after parents say door handles trapped kids

Car Safety Regulators Investigate Tesla Model Y Door Defects

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN and BERNARD CONDON, AP Business Writers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into potential defects in Tesla Model Y doors, following reports of parents struggling to free their children trapped in the back seat. In some cases, parents were forced to break windows to rescue their children.

The probe is focused on 2021 Tesla Model Ys after receiving nine reports of electronic door handles malfunctioning, possibly due to low battery voltage. While Tesla has installed manual door releases inside the vehicles, NHTSA highlighted that children may have difficulty operating or reaching them. In four incidents, parents resorted to breaking windows to gain access.

This investigation comes after a series of incidents involving Tesla doors, including drivers being trapped in burning vehicles following accidents and power failures. One notable incident involved a college basketball recruit who found himself unable to exit his Tesla Cybertruck after it caught fire post-crash.

NHTSA clarified that the investigation is specifically examining the functionality of electronic door locks from outside the vehicle, as there is no manual way to open the door in this scenario. However, the agency will continue monitoring reports of individuals trapped inside the vehicle, or “entrapment,” and will take necessary action.

About 174,300 midsize SUVs are included in the current agency investigation. The incidents seem to occur when the electronic door locks receive insufficient voltage, with repair invoices indicating battery replacements following such events. None of the individuals who reported incidents received a low voltage battery warning beforehand.

NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation will assess the extent and severity of the issue, as well as the associated risks. The agency will also evaluate Tesla’s power supply approach for the door locks and the reliability of the relevant power sources.

Originally Published: September 16, 2025 at 10:37 AM MDT