The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into certain 2021 Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) Model Y vehicles over concerns that their electronic door handles may become inoperative, potentially trapping occupants inside or preventing entry from outside.
The probe covers approximately 174,300 midsize SUVs from the 2021 model year.
According to the agency, the issue appears linked to low voltage in the vehicle’s 12-volt system, which can cause the electronic door locks to fail.
NHTSA has received nine reports in which parents exiting the vehicle to place or retrieve a child from the back seat were unable to reopen a door. In four of these cases, the parents reportedly had to break a window to gain access.
While Tesla vehicles include manual interior door releases, NHTSA noted that children may not be able to reach or operate them, potentially delaying rescue or exit in emergency situations.
The preliminary evaluation will examine the scope and severity of the condition, including the risks reported to the agency. NHTSA said it will also assess Tesla’s approach to powering the door locks and the reliability of the electrical system supporting them.
The investigation is currently focused on the operability of the electronic door locks from outside the vehicle, where no manual override exists.
NHTSA said it will continue to monitor reports of entrapment involving interior door openings and may take further action if it determines the condition poses an unreasonable safety risk.
A recall could follow if the agency deems it necessary to protect consumers.
The news didn’t dent Tesla’s shares, which were up 2% on Tuesday. The stock is up almost 20% in the last five days after it was revealed CEO Elon Musk purchased $1 billion in shares.