What Prompted Tesla to Redesign Its Model Y Door Handle?

Group 1: Tesla's Door Mechanism Redesign and Safety Investigations - Tesla is exploring a redesign to integrate electronic and manual door-release mechanisms for improved intuitiveness, especially in panic situations [1] - The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating approximately 174,000 Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year due to reports of electronic door handle failures [2][9] - NHTSA has received over 140 consumer complaints since 2018 regarding Tesla doors becoming stuck, failing to open, or malfunctioning [4][9] Group 2: Repair and Recall Information - The issue with electronic door locks is linked to insufficient voltage, often resolved by replacing the low-voltage battery, although no warnings were reported prior to failures [3] - In 2023, Tesla recalled over 120,000 Model S and Model X vehicles in the U.S. due to the risk of doors unlocking and opening during a crash [5] Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Market Performance - Ford is recalling 101,944 Taurus sedans due to a defect that may cause the B-pillar trim to detach, posing a hazard [6] - Stellantis is recalling around 164,000 Jeep vehicles over a similar issue with door trim detachment [7] - Tesla has underperformed compared to the Zacks Automotive – Domestic industry, gaining 3.2% year-to-date versus the industry's 4.6% growth [8] Group 4: Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Tesla appears overvalued with a forward price/sales ratio of 12.82, significantly higher than the industry's 3.18 [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tesla's EPS has decreased by 11 cents and 19 cents for 2025 and 2026, respectively, over the past 60 days [13]