Tesla Door Handle Safety Investigation and Volkswagen’s Shift Back to Tradition

NHTSA investigates 174,000 Tesla Model Y units over failing electronic door handles, while Volkswagen reintroduces physical buttons and classic styling.

Tesla's door handle saga has taken a serious turn as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a preliminary investigation into roughly 174,000 Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year. The probe follows reports that exterior electronic handles can fail, especially when the car is without power. In some cases, parents were unable to open the doors to place or remove a child, and four incidents reportedly ended with owners breaking a window to gain access.

This investigation marks the first step toward a potential recall if NHTSA determines the issue poses an unreasonable safety risk. Unlike Tesla’s frequent over-the-air fixes, a solution might require more extensive mechanical or design changes.

Concerns over flush electronic handles are spreading worldwide. Regulators in China are weighing a full ban on fully retractable handles starting in 2027, citing the need for reliable manual access in emergencies when electronics fail.

Volkswagen’s decision to bring back physical buttons and traditional handles on future models, including the upcoming ID. Polo, fits neatly into this broader industry shift. The brand promises illuminated controls for climate, volume, and hazard lights, along with a more conventional hatchback design aimed at restoring user confidence.

The move signals a broader rethink of the “digital-first” car philosophy. After years of touchscreen obsession and ultra-clean exteriors, automakers may now seek a middle ground — preserving high-tech appeal while ensuring that critical functions remain intuitive and dependable, especially when safety is at stake.