The ever-evolving automotive industry is no stranger to the revolutionary designs and eco-conscious vision of Tesla. However, owners are concerned about the safety and convenience of electric vehicles, particularly older users who are less tech-savvy. Instances of unexpected power outages have left residents trapped, struggling to locate and use the manual door unlock mechanism. While the Tesla app can provide a solution in some cases, it often means shattering a window in others. In such cases, contacting a nearby auto locksmith service may be the only solution. In this article, we will look closer at the recent lock-in problems Tesla users are experiencing.
Recent Tesla Lock-In Incidents
An unfortunate incident highlighting Tesla’s lock-in problem involved a 73-year-old man from Arizona. On a scorching June day with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees, his Tesla car experienced a power failure while he was inside. He found himself trapped within his Model Y. According to the man, the ordeal began in his garage when all the car’s functions, including the glove box and door locks, suddenly ceased to work. With the windows unable to roll down and his unfamiliarity with the car’s manual lock release mechanism, he endured sweltering heat for approximately 20 minutes.
Thankfully, when he reached out to his sister, her Tesla app came to the rescue, allowing the door to be unlocked. Although one of the car’s windows had to be shattered, he escaped just in the nick of time. Being trapped in the car for more than an hour would have been a disastrous ordeal. Only afterward did he realize the Tesla Model Y had experienced a sudden power loss due to its separate 12v battery running out of charge.
In a separate incident, a nine-year-old child and her mother found themselves stranded in a 2018 Tesla Model 3 when it unexpectedly lost all power. However, the mother remembered how to manually engage the safety lock on the car, enabling them to exit the vehicle without further delay.
The Growing Concern
Tesla, synonymous with innovation, has undeniably transformed the automotive landscape. Nevertheless, even within such an impressive brand, unexpected challenges can surface. Tesla owners and prospective buyers share a growing apprehension regarding the reliability of its electrical reserves and the possibility of being stranded.
Tesla proudly emphasizes the safety of its vehicles, boasting coveted 5-star safety certifications. Tesla cars are also equipped with multiple security features to deter car theft and aid in locating stolen vehicles. However, concerns have arisen regarding electric disruptions that result in unresponsiveness, as many owners have reported sudden power failures while driving or in various settings, often without apparent reasons.
What compounds these concerns is the escalating frequency of such incidents, as evidenced by the mounting complaints received by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) from Tesla owners. Among the issues at hand is the difficulty locating the manual door release, which is often poorly labeled and frequently overlooked by Tesla owners who may need to consult or read the owner’s manual.
What Does This Mean for Tesla
Lockout incidents are not limited to Tesla vehicles. There have been considerably more reports of comparable or worse incidents with different Electric Vehicle (EV) brands, most of which differ. Tesla will likely face the most criticism because people have high expectations of the highly-rated brand. This does not absolve the corporation of responsibility. Millions of cars that were sold in the US have already been recalled by the manufacturer because of an autopilot issue.
According to a recent poll, many Tesla owners file complaints with the federal vehicle safety inspectors; nonetheless, the agency advises owners of electric vehicles to become familiar with manual safeguards in case of emergency. EV comes with a detailed manual that explains maintenance practices and how to navigate from the car in such instances.
Tesla vehicles have a guidebook explaining how and when to replace the 12v battery and how to use the safety latch. Every Tesla owner should study the instructions thoroughly before driving it for the first time. Tesla and other automotive firms should take the initiative to promote the importance of doing so.
Final Thoughts
The multiple reports of people becoming stuck in Tesla vehicles are unsettling and highlight the need for precautionary measures and having the contact information of a professional auto locksmith readily accessible. Electric vehicles play a significant role in the automotive industry’s technological evolution and environmental efforts. As technology continues to advance, users need to understand the operational aspects of these vehicles, including potential malfunctions and safety measures.
