The United States is investigating Tesla's door handle malfunction, involving over 170,000 Model Y vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday that it has launched a preliminary investigation into Tesla (TSLA.US) regarding hidden electronic door handles on certain vehicles, following reports from owners that the handles malfunctioned, preventing doors from opening and even trapping children inside the vehicle at times.

The investigation initially involves approximately 174,290 units of the 2021 Model Y SUV, but authorities indicated that the scope of the investigation may expand, focusing on whether the doors can be opened from the outside, as there is no manual door opening method. Although there is a manual release mechanism inside the vehicle, children may not be able to reach or operate it, with reports indicating that parents ultimately had to break the car windows to enter or exit the cabin.

According to Bloomberg, previous investigations have found multiple incidents involving Tesla vehicles where passengers were unable to escape after losing power, some of which resulted in injuries or fatalities. Authorities stated that they have received over 140 related complaints in the past, involving different models of Tesla doors becoming stuck or malfunctioning.

In addition to the United States, other regions are also increasing scrutiny on electronic doors. Regulatory bodies in China are considering banning hidden door handles, while Europe is gradually tightening rescue and escape standards following accidents