What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into reports that exterior electronic door handles on certain U.S. 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles stopped working when low-voltage supply was insufficient. The opening record estimated 174,290 vehicles in the population and listed nine initial owner reports. An October 27, 2025 information request cited 16 reports, including four in which someone broke a window to regain access. These are investigation figures—not a final defect finding or a U.S. recall announcement.
What NHTSA’s PE25010 investigation covers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25010 on September 15, 2025. Its scope is reports involving exterior entry on certain U.S. model year 2021 Model Ys when low-voltage supply was insufficient. It does not establish a problem affecting every Model Y, every Tesla door, or other model years. NHTSA’s opening resume estimated a population of 174,290 vehicles and listed nine initial owner reports. At that point, its table showed no crashes, fires, injury incidents, injuries, or fatalities; those opening figures are not a count of later reports. (NHTSA, September 15, 2025)
What owners reported—and what NHTSA said about the cause
In an October 27, 2025 information request to Tesla, NHTSA said it had received 16 reports, compared with nine at the evaluation’s opening. Some described parents who had left the vehicle after a drive or put a child in the back seat before starting a drive, then could not reopen a door. Four reports said a window was broken to regain entry. The 16-report figure is tied to that request date, not a current or final tally. (NHTSA, October 27, 2025)
NHTSA’s preliminary account said the condition appeared to occur when electronic locks received insufficient vehicle voltage. Repair invoices available to the agency described low-voltage battery replacement after incidents, but no complaint reported receiving a low-voltage battery warning before the exterior handles became inoperative. Those observations describe the reports reviewed at that stage; they do not prove a final cause or establish that a battery replacement resolves every incident. (NHTSA, October 27, 2025)
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Custom Design - The 6th generation smart electric door handle is custom designed according to the original car data which are perfectly for 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Tesla model y and Tesla model 3 (Including Highland and Juniper). Please contact me for a installation manual.
- RGB Color - The auto present door handles for tesla model y allow you to adjust the color of the door handle's light to suit your personal preferences or to match the color scheme of your car, enhance your tesla appearance.
- Automatically Pop Out - The auto present door handles for tesla model 3 will pop out automatically when your phone connects with the original car APP Bluetooth., the smart electric door handles will retract when you enter the car.
- Unlock Ways - The electric automatic door handle for tesla model 3 has several ways to be unlocked, including using a key, a card, a smartphone app, gear shifter, console screen, blue tooth and touching the handle.
- High Quality - The electric automatic door handle for Tesla model y is made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the demands of regular use. It is constructed from a combination of ABS+PC, PC, PA6+GF30, SUS304, and EPDM materials.
Why the reports raise a safety concern
The issue under review is access from outside when the electronic locks do not operate—not a finding that an occupant cannot open a door from inside. NHTSA noted that an interior manual release may not be accessible to or operable by a child, leaving someone outside potentially unable to retrieve an occupant quickly. The agency said, “Entrapment in a vehicle is particularly concerning in emergency situations, such as when children are entrapped in a hot vehicle.” (NHTSA, October 27, 2025)
What Model Y owners can do
Know the manual release for your own vehicle
Tesla’s 2025-and-newer Model Y owner’s manual describes interior manual releases for use when the vehicle has no power. For the front door, the release is in front of the window switches. For a rear door, the manual directs the user to remove a cover at the bottom of the door pocket and pull the mechanical cable forward. Tesla warns that using a manual release may prevent the window from lowering automatically and may damage the window or trim. Procedures can vary by configuration and model year, so consult the owner’s manual for the specific vehicle rather than assuming these instructions apply to every Model Y. (Tesla Model Y Owner’s Manual)
Rank #2
- PERFECT COMPATIBILITY: Door handle is compatible with tesla model 3 2017-2022 and tesla model Y 2019-2025 perfect replacement for original front and rear driver side door handle ,OEM 081831-00-J, 1528114-00-B
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Made from high-quality ABS plastic with a smooth black finish, ABS materials are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long - term durability. This means that even with frequent use over a long period, the door handle will not break or malfunction easily
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The design of the door handles is based on ergonomic principles. They offer a comfortable grip, making it easy for users of all ages and hand sizes to open and close the doors effortlessly. The shape and texture of the handles are carefully crafted for maximum usability
- ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY: In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these door handles are highly functional. They operate smoothly, allowing for easy access to the vehicle interior. Their design also ensures that they can be used in all weather conditions without any glitches
- EASY INSTALLATION: Engineered for straightforward installation, this door handle allows for a quick and hassle-free replacement, making it ideal for DIY vehicle maintenance
Understand the no-power procedure and its limits
Tesla’s manual also describes procedures using an external low-voltage power supply, including a portable jump starter as an example. It warns that incorrect connections can cause short circuits or damage. A jump starter is not a guaranteed fix for an inoperative exterior handle: follow the model-specific manual, and do not improvise connections. (Tesla Model Y Owner’s Manual)
Do not confuse PE25010 with other Tesla door actions
Other regulatory developments involve different vehicles, jurisdictions, door scenarios, and actions. They do not establish the outcome of the U.S. 2021 Model Y evaluation.
Rank #3
- [Material] The Tesla door handle wrap made of real carbon fiber and premium resin, high gloss paint makes the door handles sticker stand out and enhance the look of your Tesla Model 3/Y, durable, soft to the touch, scratch resistant, effectively protect your Tesla
- [Exterior Accessories] This carbon fiber car door handle cover trim protector sticker essential decoration for your tesla and make it standout and enhance the appearance of the car body, designed specifically for your tesla Model 3 and Model Y, no sharp edges, will not damage the car
- [Easy to Install] Self-adhesive Tesla car handle stickers are easy and precise to install, no tools or cutting required, and they bond firmly and won't come off easily
- [Customized Design for Tesla Model 3 / Y] The Car Door Handle Cover Customized for Tesla Model 3 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 and Model Y 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
- [Package Contents] Door Handle Protector Covers (Carbon Fiber Pattern / Black) x4
| Development | Vehicle and scenario | Jurisdiction and action |
|---|---|---|
| PE25010 | Certain U.S. 2021 Model Ys; exterior entry reports associated with insufficient low voltage | United States; NHTSA preliminary evaluation opened September 15, 2025. The official disposition is not established by the records cited here. NHTSA case records |
| Emergency-release petition decision | 2022 Model 3; petition concerned accessibility of emergency mechanical door releases | United States; in July 2026, NHTSA denied the defect petition. The Federal Register notice said the cited release-labeling and location concern was not addressed by FMVSS 206, which focuses on locks, latches, hinges, and related performance. Separately, NHTSA said it had granted a request to begin rulemaking on a robust and obvious door-egress system. Federal Register, July 2026 |
| China door-handle recall | About 2.98 million China-made and imported Tesla vehicles, including Model Y; reported door-handle safety risks | China; a separate recall ordered by China’s regulator, reported by AP in August 2026. It is not a U.S. recall or a PE25010 disposition. Associated Press, August 2026 |
What is known about PE25010’s current status
The official records cited here confirm the evaluation’s opening and NHTSA’s October 2025 information request, but do not establish a later disposition. They do not support calling PE25010 open, closed, or a recall. NHTSA says investigation records can include opening and closing resumes and public correspondence, so its case record is the place to check for a later official status.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY: Fits all Model 3 (2017 – Current) and Model Y (2020 – Current)
- FAST & EASY INSTALLATION: Customize your door handles while keeping the OEM look; no bulky plastic caps; vinyl wraps approximately 1/8-inch around the door handle edges so no chrome (on older Model 3) or black (on newer Model 3 and all Model Y) is visible when the handle is closed; installs in about 10 minutes; can be easily removed anytime; a heat gun or hair dryer is required (but not included) to prevent wrinkles while wrapping around the handle edges
- INCLUDES: 6x door handle wraps (3x driver side & 3x passenger side) with easy-install transfer tape pre-applied, installation tool (guitar pick), written instructions, link to installation video
- PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIAL: Made from premium automotive wrap vinyl, backed by a 5 to 10-year vinyl warranty
- DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN USA: Professionally designed and manufactured in St. Paul, MN
Rank #4
- UV-Stabilized TPU Formula – PlatinumShield TPU film with UV-resistant additives helps slow yellowing and haze over time compared to standard films. Results may vary depending on climate and sun exposure.
- Defends Against Chips and Scratches – Helps protect Tesla Model 3 / Y door handles from rock chips, scuffs, fingernail marks, and everyday wear that can damage factory paint.
- Virtually Invisible Coverage – Crystal-clear film blends with any paint color and factory finish, preserving the OEM appearance without noticeable edges.
- Compatibility – Designed exclusively for Model 3 (2017/2018/2019/2020/2021/2022/2023/2024/2025/2026) and Model Y (2021/2022/2023/2024/2025/2026).
- Quick DIY Installation – No installer, special tools, or trimming required. Pre-cut for Tesla Model 3 / Y door handles and install in minutes using the included solution and squeegee.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
