The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation into 174,290 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured in 2021, after multiple reports of electronic door handle malfunctions that may prevent occupants from escaping in emergencies.

❗ Why This Matters

According to NHTSA, at least nine incidents involved children trapped inside following collisions. Parents were unable to open the rear doors externally, as the electronic system locked and offered no manual override from the outside.

⚠️ Critical risks identified:

• Passengers may remain trapped in the event of fires, cabin overheating, or crashes.
• Children, elderly, and people with disabilities often struggle to use the manual internal release system.
• Emergency responders face challenges due to the lack of a mechanical alternative outside the vehicle.

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🔎 Scope of the Investigation

• Models affected: Tesla Model Y (2021 units).
• Possible expansion: Other Tesla models could be reviewed if similar defects are confirmed.
• Regulatory context: Since 2023, over 2.4 million Tesla vehicles have faced regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. for various safety and reporting issues.
• Global implications: Regulators in China and the European Union are also considering restrictions on electronic-only door handle systems.

Key Aspect	Details
Vehicles Under Review	174,290 Tesla Model Y (2021)
Reported Cases	9 confirmed incidents of children trapped
Safety Risk	No external manual override – delays rescue efforts
Broader Impact	More than 2.4 million Teslas under U.S. investigation since 2023
Possible Outcome	Recall order if defect is confirmed

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👔 Leadership and Regulatory Context

The probe comes amid leadership changes at NHTSA. On Thursday (18th), the U.S. Senate confirmed Jonathan Morrison as the agency’s new director — filling a role that had been vacant for three years.

Morrison now oversees investigations into Tesla’s safety practices, including:

• Delayed accident reporting
• Autonomous driving system failures
• Door handle malfunction cases

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that while regulators aim to speed up autonomous vehicle development, public safety remains the top priority.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation — representing major automakers — supports stricter rules but warns against stifling innovation.

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✅ Bottom line: Tesla faces mounting regulatory pressure as safety concerns over its electronic door systems grow. If proven, the defect could lead to a large-scale recall and potentially reshape how automakers design future door safety systems.