Hatchback/liftgate problems of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

The contact's dad owned a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated the owner opened the liftgate, attempting to unload the vehicle after a trip, when the liftgate inadvertently fell on the head near the left ear area, fracturing his skull on the left side, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the asphalt. As a result, the contacts dads brain bled within both fractures. The contact's dad was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was the only occupant of the vehicle at the time of the failure. The vehicle was inspected by Tesla, and advised that a power lift strut replacement part was needed; however, the contact wanted NHTSA to inspect the original part before the replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed. The vehicle remained at his dad's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was a faulty power lift strut and that the taigate had 1 powered strut, causing the liftgate to close inadvertently. The approximate failure mileage was 17,273.

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while parked and loading personal items into the rear cargo space, the automatic liftgate independently closed, and the contact was hit on the top of the head. The contact stated that the liftgate feature had not engaged, which normally raised the liftgate to the open position once contact was made with an object other than the gate latch. The contact stated that the liftgate closed automatically after she had backed away after being hit on the head. The contact stated that it was painful, but she did not seek medical attention. The contact stated that a warning chime had not sounded. The contact stated that the liftgate failure had occurred before. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,251.