Tesla Under Govt Probe For Door Handles That 'Trap Passengers'

Tesla’s flush door handle design is now under scrutiny in both the US and China after repeated cases of passengers getting stuck inside vehicles. What started as a sleek design choice to improve aerodynamics has raised safety concerns that regulators are treating seriously.

Parents Forced to Break Windows

In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating around 174,000 Tesla Model Y cars from 2021. The probe follows nine complaints from parents who said they could not reopen doors after stepping out, leaving children locked inside.

In four of those cases, parents had no option but to smash the glass to reach their kids. Investigators say the issue is linked to the 12-volt battery system, where a drop in voltage can disable the electronic door handles. While Teslas have manual levers inside, young children often cannot find or use them quickly in an emergency.

A Stylish Feature With Hidden Risks

Tesla introduced retractable flush handles in 2012 with the Model S to cut drag and improve efficiency. When not in use, the handles sit flat against the body, giving the car a clean look. But the feature has come at a cost.

A Bloomberg review found 140 incidents since 2018 where people were trapped inside Teslas, some leading to injuries. Firefighters and rescuers have also reported delays during accidents when electronic systems fail. In crash situations, every second counts, and struggling to open a door can make a dangerous situation worse.

China Takes a Hard Line

Regulators in China are preparing even tougher action. Starting July 2027, fully retractable electronic handles may be banned altogether. Local crash tests showed that the electronic handles worked only 67 per cent of the time in side-impact collisions, compared with 98 per cent for normal mechanical handles.

Insurance data adds to the case. Door handle malfunctions account for about 12 per cent of Tesla repairs in China, much higher than average. Problems often come from water leaks or freezing conditions that stop the electronic mechanisms from working.

Tesla Promises a Fix

Tesla’s design chief, Franz von Holzhausen, has admitted the problem and confirmed that the company is working on a redesign. The plan is to combine electronic and manual systems into a single, more intuitive release so that exits are easier during emergencies.

Owners have already faced worrying situations. One Arizona driver said her Tesla trapped her inside for several minutes after the 12-volt battery died. She had to call roadside assistance to learn how to use the hidden manual lever.

Safety Versus Style

The controversy highlights the trade-off between design and safety. Flush handles may look futuristic, but regulators say they create unnecessary risks. With US and Chinese agencies both pressing for answers, Tesla faces pressure to prove its cars remain safe in all conditions.