NHTSA launches investigation into Model Y door handle issue, Tesla says it has started redesigning door handle
[PCauto] The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a preliminary investigation on September 16, 2025, into approximately 174,000 units of the 2021 Tesla Model Y, focusing on the complete failure of electronic door handles when the low-voltage battery is insufficiently charged.
Model Y door handle issue has already drawn multiple owner complaints
The investigation into Model Y door handle malfunctions stems from multiple owner complaints, some involving emergency situations where children were trapped inside the vehicle. The incidents not only raised concerns about specific Tesla models but also prompted the industry to reassess the safety redundancy design of hidden door handles and electronic systems.
Background information from the investigation shows that NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation is based on nine owner complaints, with four cases involving parents being forced to break windows to rescue trapped children due to an inability to open the doors from the outside.
These incidents mostly occurred after driving or before starting to drive, with children seated in the rear seats. Although the Tesla Model Y has a manual unlocking mechanism inside the vehicle, its design is hidden and the operation is complicated, making it difficult for children to use independently, thereby preventing timely escape in emergency situations.
NHTSA indicated that the investigation could be expanded to cover other model years, including the 2023 Tesla Model 3 and 2020-2023 Tesla Model Y, to comprehensively assess the prevalence of the issue.
Door handle malfunctions may stem from the low-voltage power supply system
In terms of technical defects, the malfunction may be directly related to insufficient voltage in the 12V low-voltage battery. When the battery level drops, the electronic door handle system fails, and the owner does not receive any warning signals, such as dashboard warning lights.
Maintenance records indicate that replacing the low-voltage battery is a common solution, but this does not fundamentally address the issue. The NHTSA further emphasized that the Tesla Model Y lacks a manual opening mechanism on the outside of the door, and the internal manual device may not function effectively due to design issues in case of a power outage or collision.
Since 2018, the NHTSA has received more than 140 related complaints, involving multiple incidents of injury and death, indicating that the problem is not isolated but a systemic safety fault.
This design defect exposes the risks in the trend of automotive electrification, where there is excessive reliance on electronic systems at the expense of the reliability of mechanical backups.
Tesla stated it is redesigning the door handle
Regarding Tesla’s response, Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s Chief Designer, revealed that the company is redesigning the door handle system, planning to integrate the electronic and manual unlocking functions into the same button to enhance reliability in emergency situations.
Additionally, Tesla stated that it will comply with regulatory requirements in global markets, including the initiative by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to solicit opinions on safety standards for hidden door handles by May 2025.
Today, electric vehicles have adopted many innovative designs that have never appeared in fuel-powered cars and have not been validated before. For reasons unknown, automakers are reluctant to consider the safety risks of these designs. Now, it is time to revisit the discussion on what constitutes a safe design.
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The all-new Proton X50 has sold over 6,000 units in a month and a half since its launch, becoming the champion in its segment.
RobertSep 18, 2025, 04:08 PM
[PCauto] Since the official launch of the all-new Proton X50 on July 24, this compact SUV has achieved remarkable market success in a short time.
Market data shows that the Proton X50 delivered 999 units within 5 working days after its release, and by the end of July, its production scale had reached 2,000 units.
In August, its single-month sales climbed to 4,287 units, bringing the total sales within one month of launch to over 5,000 units and making it the sales champion in its segment.
This performance not only boosted the overall performance of the Proton Group but also helped the group achieve a total sales volume of 15,228 units in August, setting a 36-month record high and increasing its market share to 20.6%.
Although the Malaysian automotive market is gradually being dominated by new energy vehicles, with a current share of 58% for new energy vehicles, the Proton X50, as a representative of fuel-powered SUVs, has successfully won a large number of consumers’ recognition with its high cost-performance advantage.
The All-New Proton X50 Undergoes Multiple Innovations
The all-new Proton X50 has seen significant upgrades in power, smart technology, and design.
In terms of the powertrain, the all-new Proton X50 is equipped with a 1.5L i-GT four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering an output of 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds, while fuel efficiency is improved by 4.7% compared to the previous generation.
The transition from a three-cylinder to a four-cylinder design significantly enhances engine smoothness, while improving cabin noise insulation, providing a more comfortable driving experience.
On the tech side, the Proton X50 features a 14.6-inch infotainment screen and an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Malay language voice recognition system to enhance the localized user experience.
Additionally, the car integrates Level 2 ADAS advanced driver assistance systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and a 360° surround-view camera, enhancing safety and convenience.
In terms of design, the front end features the “Energy Storm” LED lighting module and a full-width taillight design. The car introduces new Pine Blue paint and a black roof package (applicable to higher trims), while the interior includes 72-color ambient lighting and a wireless charging pad (higher trims), further enhancing visual appeal and practicality.
Proton X50 has received positive reviews in the market
The younger demographic particularly appreciates the Proton X50’s performance and tech features, considering the model to offer sporty driving pleasure and a modern connected experience.
Family users, on the other hand, value its practicality and comfort, highlighting the vehicle’s reliability in daily commutes and long-distance travel.
It is worth noting that the smoothness issues of the old three-cylinder engine have been addressed in the new four-cylinder design. Consumers generally report improved noise control and reduced vibrations during test drives, enhancing overall satisfaction.
In terms of configuration, Proton X50 offers three versions
The Executive version is priced at 89,800 MYR and comes with 17-inch wheels and LED headlights as basic features;
The Premium version is priced at 101,800 MYR, upgraded with 18-inch wheels, a power tailgate, and leather seats.
The Flagship version is priced at 113,300 MYR, adding a panoramic sunroof, automatic parking, and blind spot monitoring to the high-end features.
Proton is also offering a 4,000 MYR cash rebate for the first 10,000 customers who book and register their vehicles, further enhancing its value for money.
In terms of purchase recommendations, market analysis suggests prioritizing the Premium edition, as it strikes a good balance between features and price, including practical features like a powered tailgate and leather seats.
Additionally, through Proton’s official website or authorized dealer channels, buyers can secure a limited edition Touch ‘n Go card for added convenience.
As of now, competitors have not introduced new developments, and the Proton X50 is likely to continue selling well for an extended period.
2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre 0–60 MPH Time
May 29th, 2025 by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena
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The 2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre represents the luxury automaker’s foray into the electric vehicle segment, but rest assured that speed and performance remain a top priority. Look forward to effortless acceleration, a quick sprint to 60 mph, and exhilarating speeds on the Glendale roads. Learn about everything from the Rolls-Royce Spectre 0–60 mph time to the Rolls-Royce Spectre top speed with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena, and then experience the magic for yourself when you get behind the wheel at our dealership.
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2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre Top Speed and More
According to the Car and Driver acceleration data, the Rolls-Royce Spectre 0–60 mph time is 3.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the Rolls-Royce Spectre top speed is 155 mph. These figures are quite impressive for a luxury EV, and even more so for one from Rolls-Royce. Contributing to this speed is a seamless design that contributes to the Spectre’s drag coefficient, the lowest of any Rolls-Royce model.
Consider, too, that the Rolls-Royce Spectre boasts unprecedented intelligence, with 141,200 sender-receive functions and over 25,000 sub-functions to process complex data and rapidly respond to driver inputs and changing road conditions around Los Angeles.
2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre Performance: Specifications
Now that you know the Rolls-Royce Spectre top speed and sprint times, let’s take a look at what makes it all possible. The standard Spectre model is powered by a dual-motor electric powertrain that generates 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. If you upgrade to the Spectre Black Badge, you’ll experience an increase in power to 650 hp and 793 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre Performance: Electric Range
In addition to the Rolls-Royce Spectre performance specs, it’s important to consider the ultra-luxury model’s all-electric range. The distance the Spectre can travel on a single charge largely depends on the tires installed. A Spectre with 23-inch wheels can reach up to 266 miles per charge, for example, while smaller 22-inch wheels increase the range to as much as 291 miles per charge. Also noteworthy is that the EPA estimates that the Spectre should deliver 77 mpge city and 86 mpge highway.
Discover the Spectre in Pasadena
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre is ready for the Burbank roads, and more importantly, for you to get behind the wheel. Connect with our team if you’d like to learn more about everything the new Spectre has to offer or plan your visit to our Pasadena dealership.
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