NHTSA Expands Tesla Door Investigation, Waymo Faces New Challenges

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded its investigation into Tesla’s door mechanisms, now including the Model 3 alongside the previously scrutinized Model Y. Concerns have arisen regarding the accessibility of emergency door release controls, which may pose severe risks during emergencies. The investigation encompasses approximately 179,071 vehicles from the 2022 model year.

The NHTSA’s action, announced on December 23, 2025, follows a defect petition claiming that mechanical door releases are inadequately marked and difficult to locate in urgent situations. Recent reports indicate that there have been at least 15 fatalities linked to the design of Tesla’s door handles, raising alarm over their safety features. The agency’s inquiry could potentially extend to Tesla’s other models, including the Model S, Model X, and the forthcoming Cybertruck, due to the uniformity of the handle designs across the lineup.

Waymo Addresses Robotaxi Issues Amid Power Outage

In another development, Waymo is responding to recent challenges faced by its self-driving vehicles in San Francisco. Following a power outage that caused its robotaxis to stall at intersections, the company intends to update its software and emergency response protocols. This incident occurred on a Saturday, when a fire at a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) substation cut power to about one-third of the city, impacting roughly 130,000 residents.

Videos circulated on social media showing Waymo vehicles stranded with hazard lights on, unable to navigate dark traffic signals. While the company asserts that its vehicles are designed to handle such situations, the recent failures highlight the limitations of current technology in real-world scenarios. Waymo’s response indicates an acknowledgment of these shortcomings as it strives to enhance the reliability of its service.

Toyota Faces Sales Decline in China

Toyota, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, reported a decline in sales during November, primarily due to decreased demand in China. The company’s global sales fell by 1.9% to 965,919 units compared to the same period last year, with production numbers also down by 3.4% to 934,001 vehicles.

This downturn is attributed to the cessation of subsidies aimed at promoting electric and fuel-efficient vehicles in China, a critical market for Toyota. Notably, sales of Toyota and Lexus brands in China plummeted by 12% in November. The broader context includes escalating diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, which may be influencing consumer behavior. As the company navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen whether other automakers will report similar downturns as more sales data becomes available.

Hyundai Issues Recall Due to Fire Risk

Hyundai has announced a recall of nearly 52,000 Tucson vehicles in the United States due to a potential fire hazard linked to trailer wiring harnesses. The recall affects 51,587 units, with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating that a short circuit in improperly installed wiring could increase the risk of fire.

While the issue originates from a third-party supplier, Hyundai advises owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs can be made. The recall specifically targets the trailer wiring harness, which has been identified as the source of the problem. Hyundai has committed to replacing the faulty harness at no cost to affected customers.

These developments underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the automotive industry, from safety investigations to market fluctuations and product recalls. As companies adapt to these issues, consumer safety and satisfaction remain paramount.