Tesla Faces Expanded NHTSA Probe Over Door Handle Safety Concerns
Tesla Inc. finds itself under renewed regulatory scrutiny as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration widens its investigation into faulty door handles. The probe now encompasses 2017-2022 Model 3 sedans and 2020-2022 Model Y SUVs, following multiple reports of malfunctioning mechanisms linked to low-voltage battery issues.
Safety concerns escalated after NHTSA documented cases where occupants, including children, were temporarily trapped in vehicles. The agency has demanded comprehensive data from Tesla regarding customer complaints, incident reports, and potential legal actions related to door system failures.
This regulatory pressure compounds existing challenges for the electric vehicle manufacturer, coming just weeks after the initial September 15 investigation launch. With sixteen formal complaints now on record, NHTSA's intensified scrutiny signals growing institutional focus on automotive safety in the EV sector.