Dead Tesla Cars Keep Locking Owners In and Out

The issue arises from a smaller, separate 12V battery in Teslas that controls windows, door locks, and other internal electronics. Even if the main battery is charged, a drained or malfunctioning 12V battery can trap occupants inside the car. Tesla manuals describe an emergency solution—manual door releases located in front of the window controls and at the feet of rear passenger seats—but many owners remain unaware of these.

Recent Incidents

In one case, a grandmother in Phoenix was locked out of her Tesla with her granddaughter inside on a day when temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite Tesla's claim that owners receive three warnings before the 12V battery dies, the grandmother reported not receiving any alerts. Firefighters had to use an ax to break the car's window and rescue the child.

Another incident in July 2023 involved a 73-year-old man kicking out a window to escape his Model Y. A similar situation occurred in Illinois when a mother and daughter were trapped in a rented Tesla. Additionally, a California driver was stuck in her car for 40 minutes during a software update, with outside temperatures reaching 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Emergency Solutions and Tesla's Response

The only alternative to waiting for emergency services seems to be a complex step-by-step solution in the owner’s manual that involves opening the front hood by using external jumper cables. This method is not practical for most people in an emergency situation.

Popular Science reached out to Tesla for comment via its owner’s manual feedback email, as the company does not have a publicly facing media department. Tesla did not respond at the time of writing.

Until Tesla addresses these battery issues, owners may need to rely on emergency services to handle situations where the 12V battery fails. This recurring problem underscores the importance of being aware of the manual door releases and the need for Tesla to provide more reliable and accessible solutions.