NHTSA

US regulators (NHTSA) are investigating Tesla’s retractable door handles over safety concerns. Complaints cite malfunctions, especially with low battery voltage, trapping occupants, including children overheating inside. The investigation focuses on 2021 Model Y vehicles but includes related Model 3/Y models. NHTSA demands records by December 10, with potential penalties for non-compliance. The investigation follows reports of injuries and fatalities and comes as industry, and Chinese regulations, prioritize simpler, safer door handle designs with accessible emergency releases.

The NHTSA is investigating Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system after reports of safety defects. The investigation covers roughly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD (Supervised) or FSD (Beta). At least 44 incidents involve Tesla drivers using FSD reporting the system caused traffic violations resulting in collisions. The agency will evaluate the clarity of warnings, driver reaction time, and FSD’s ability to respond to traffic signals. The probe comes as Tesla continues to develop and test its FSD technology, including Robotaxi services.