Tesla Says It’s Changing Its Door Handles After Federal Probe Launched
After parents say they had to smash windows to get children out, Tesla says a redesign is coming.By Natalie NeffPublished: Sep 18, 2025 1:40 PM EDT
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Tesla is apparently rethinking one of its door handle designs as US regulators ramp up scrutiny.
On a Bloomberg podcast this week, Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen revealed the company plans to combine the electric and manual door releases into a single, more intuitive mechanism. The move comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates reports that electronic handles on the 2021 Model Y can fail, leaving children unable to exit.
NHTSA confirmed it has received at least nine complaints, with four cases where parents smashed windows to free their kids. While Teslas do include manual interior releases, the small levers can be difficult for many people—particularly children—to find.
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Von Holzhausen says Tesla is tracking the reports closely and said the redesign is meant to help occupants in “a panic situation.” Bloomberg also reported Tesla is monitoring discussions in China, where regulators are considering limits on fully concealed handles.
Also, the problem is apparently not isolated to one model or year. According to NHTSA data, the agency has logged over 140 complaints since 2018 across various Teslas about doors sticking, failing to open, or otherwise malfunctioning.Tesla Motors
Tesla Model Y backseat.
Tesla also recalled more than 120,000 Model S and Model X vehicles in 2023 because doors could unlock and swing open during a crash.
The redesign as described by von Holzhausen mirrors the approach other automakers have already pursued. In the Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, the electronic latch doubles as a conventional mechanical handle, where pulling back further on the handle engages a mechanical release.
For Tesla, the latest headlines add pressure at a time when EV sales are slowing and US market share has dropped to its lowest in nearly eight years. The company is already under NHTSA probes into Autopilot and other systems.
But for a couple of sketchy, short-lived gigs right out of college, Natalie Neff has had the good fortune to spend the entirety of her professional life around cars. A 2017 Honda Ridgeline, 1972 VW Beetle, 1999 Ducati Monster and a well-loved purple-and-white five-speed Schwinn currently call her garage home.
New Vehicle Ownership Costs Drop but EVs Still Face Higher Price Tag
From lower depreciation to cheaper fill-ups, AAA’s latest report reveals why owning a new vehicle is more affordable in 2025—unless it’s electric.By Natalie NeffPublished: Sep 17, 2025 1:56 PM EDTSave Article
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Good news for drivers: The cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in the US has fallen, AAA reports.
In its 2025 Your Driving Costs analysis, AAA estimates that annual ownership and operating costs for a new vehicle now average $11,577, or about $965 a month. That’s a drop of $719 from 2024. Key drivers behind the decline include lower depreciation, easing finance charges, reduced fuel prices, and a shift toward more affordable vehicle models.
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Depreciation remains the biggest factor: In 2025, new cars are losing about $4,334 in value per year, down from $4,680 in 2024. Finance costs, too, have decreased by about 15%, down to $1,131, thanks to lower interest rates or more favorable financing terms. Fuel costs per mile have dropped nearly 13%, with regular gas averaging $3.151 per gallon, down from $3.539.
On the flip side, electricity prices for EV charging ticked up slightly, to about 16.7 cents per kWh, up from 15.9 cents.
State of EV vs Gas Ownership Costs
While AAA finds ownership costs are lower overall, electric vehicles still remain more expensive in total ownership, due to higher upfront costs, faster depreciation, insurance, and tax/registration. However, hybrids are closing the gap, offering lower fuel costs like EVs but without as steep ownership penalties.aaa
AAA’s study compared EV, hybrid, and internal combustion models across four popular categories: medium sedans, compact SUVs, medium SUVs, and pickups.
Many buyers will feel the relief from lower fuel costs. For EV owners, while operating costs (fuel and maintenance) remain attractive, the slightly higher electricity prices and ownership charges blunt much of the financial advantage this year. Still, hybrids strike a balance for those seeking efficiency without the downsides of full EV ownership, especially in states or regions without heavy EV incentives or low electricity rates.
What It Means for Buyers
For anyone considering a new vehicle—gas, hybrid, or electric—the time looks favorable. But side effects matter: your vehicle type, driving habits, region, and how you finance will drive your real costs.
The report underscores the idea that there’s no one-size-fits-all; shoppers should calculate total cost of ownership over five years (AAA’s benchmark uses 75,000 miles total) rather than fixating solely on sticker price.
But for a couple of sketchy, short-lived gigs right out of college, Natalie Neff has had the good fortune to spend the entirety of her professional life around cars. A 2017 Honda Ridgeline, 1972 VW Beetle, 1999 Ducati Monster and a well-loved purple-and-white five-speed Schwinn currently call her garage home.
