Electronic latches Just a week or so after finding that China is rumored to be considering a ban on electronic latches (door handles), particularly those that conceal themselves (flush handles), comes news from Reuters that the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) is investigating possible door handle issues in over 170,000 Tesla Model Ys. And …
Category: Vehicle safety
A gathering of posts that report on recalls and other safety issues.
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/09/volvo-and-polestar-models-get-added-to-our-get-out-page-with-a-nod/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/09/nhtsa-looking-into-tesla-door-handles-now-look-into-all-electronic-latches/
At last — possible government moves to restrict or ban electronic latches
Electronic latches This one pulls us in multiple directions. InsideEVs reports that the Chinese government is rumored to be considering a ban on electronic latches (door handles), particularly those that conceal themselves (flush handles). The piece then references the earlier issuance of “draft rules stating that cars must have a clearly marked mechanical release on …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/09/at-last-a-possible-government-move-to-restrict-or-ban-electronic-latches/
Three reasons why you need a roadside assistance package
Roadside assistance I recently re-upped my contract with my roadside assistance provider. A change in banks blocked an automatic payment so I had to pay more attention to matter. And it got me thinking — there are three very good reasons why every driver today needs a roadside assistance provider. 12-volt Battery The first is …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/08/three-reasons-why-you-need-a-roadside-assistance-package/
Ford recalls its recalls
Ford recalls While going through a Consumer Reports piece on recalls they noted a case that required four returns to the dealer to be finally fixed properly. This brought to mind that there seemed to have been a number of Ford recalls in the last few weeks that were repeats. Sure enough, a review of …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/08/ford-recalls-its-recalls/
Dodge adds to growing list of troublesome electronic latches
Electronic latches In 2024, the Dodge Charger went electric and electronic. The company’s first electric vehicle (EV) also follows the troublesome and rather pointless trend of using electronic latches in the doors. We say pointless because of course, the company had to create a mechanical back-up in case of a failure of the 12-volt battery, …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/06/dodge-adds-to-growing-list-of-troublesome-electronic-latches/
Complaint filed with NHTSA
NHTSA A few days ago, I alluded to attempting to work with Kia on what I believe should be a warranty issue. I was rebuffed by both a local dealer and the company itself. So today a detailed complaint was filed NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I will give you a detailed account …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/05/complaint-filed-with-nhtsa/

Volvo and Polestar models get added to our Get Out page, with a nod
Get Out page The spread of electronic latches are getting attention of late, as a result of issues with flush Tesla Model Y door handles. We’ve used this to tout our Get Out page and (hopefully) rattle some cages about the dangers of electronic latches the page addresses. And we now have two more entries …
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