NHTSA Opens Probe Into 2021 Tesla Model Y Door Handle Failures
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The Auto Channel Newsroom Safety Desk
September 16, 2025
By Alex C. Intelli
Preliminary evaluation covers ~174,000 vehicles after reports that exterior electronic door handles can become inoperative; Tesla response pending.
What’s new: U.S. safety regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into approximately 174,000 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs after complaints that the exterior electronic door handles sometimes won’t operate. Several incident reports describe adults being unable to re-enter a vehicle to reach a child, with some resorting to breaking a window.
Early summaries indicate the concern may be linked to insufficient voltage in the vehicle’s low-voltage system supplying power to the electronic locks and exterior handles. Owners in multiple reports said they did not receive a prior low-voltage warning before the handles became inoperative from outside the vehicle. While Teslas include manual interior door releases, regulators note these may be difficult for children to locate or operate in time-sensitive situations.
Scope and Status
- Vehicles: ~174,000 Model Y (Model Year 2021).
- Phase: Preliminary Evaluation — not a recall at this time.
- Reports: At least nine incident narratives; in several, a window was broken to regain access.
What Tesla Has Said
As of publication, Tesla has not issued a detailed public response specific to this investigation. The company has previously emphasized the presence of manual overrides and its focus on safety.
What Owners Can Do Now
- Review manual releases: Locate and practice using the interior mechanical door releases for all doors; teach capable older children how to use them.
- Watch for symptoms: If you notice accessory glitches or slow screen boots, schedule service promptly.
- Monitor for updates: Watch the Tesla app/email for service bulletins or over-the-air updates related to locks/handles.
- Report issues: File a complaint with NHTSA if you experience a similar failure; detailed owner reports help scope investigations.
What Might Come Next
Potential remedies could include software changes (e.g., earlier low-voltage warnings, fail-safe handle behavior) and/or hardware fixes (battery, wiring, or lock module updates). If a safety defect is confirmed, a recall with free repairs would likely follow.