Investigations
Shift Interlock Request
NHTSA Defect Petition DP23001 — open, opened 2023-04-07 and involving the TESLA.
Vehicle: TESLA
NHTSA investigation DP23001 is a Defect Petition opened on 2023-04-07 and currently open. The subject of record is TESLA, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for TESLA. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2023-04-07 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Defect Petition like DP23001 starts when a person or group formally asks NHTSA to investigate a specific alleged defect. Petitioners submit evidence, NHTSA reviews it within 120 days, and either grants the petition (opening a PE) or denies it with a written explanation in the Federal Register.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "On March 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition that requested a recall of all Tesla vehicles Model Year (MY) 2013 to present to add an interlock that requires a brake application..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related TESLA files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
On March 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition that requested a recall of all Tesla vehicles Model Year (MY) 2013 to present to add an interlock that requires a brake application by the driver in order to shift from Drive to Reverse to reduce the number of sudden unintended acceleration events. Along with his request, the petitioner provided a technical paper regarding the claims in the petition. ODI will evaluate the petitioner's allegations and assess potentially related field data to determine if the petition should be granted or denied. If the petition is granted, ODI will open a defect investigation. If the petition is denied, ODI will publish a denial notice in the Federal Register. The petition and its supporting paper can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11515119.
About This Investigation Type
A Defect Petition (DP) is initiated when an individual or organization formally petitions NHTSA to investigate a potential safety defect. NHTSA reviews the petition and decides whether to open an investigation.
Other TESLA Investigations
Emergency egress controls are not readily accessible and clearly identifiable.
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Electronic door handles become inoperative
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.