Tesla Passenger Doors Not Unlocking? (Fixed)

Some Tesla owners have encountered an issue where their passenger doors fail to unlock from the outside, even with the presence of a key fob or phone key.

This can lead to frustration and inconvenience, particularly when passengers are eagerly awaiting entry or exit from the vehicle.

In this article, we will delve into the various causes behind this problem and explore practical solutions to help resolve the issue.

Whether it’s adjusting settings, understanding door handle mechanics, or addressing weather-related challenges, we will provide comprehensive insights to assist Tesla owners in unlocking their passenger doors effectively.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the potential causes and remedies, enabling you to overcome this hurdle and enhance your Tesla ownership experience.

Why Tesla Passenger Doors Not Unlocking?

#1. Driver Door Unlock Mode

Tesla provides a setting that allows drivers to choose whether only the driver door or all doors should unlock upon approach.

Enabling this setting requires an additional press of the key fob or the button on the driver door handle to unlock the remaining doors.

To adjust this setting, navigate to Controls > Locks > Driver Door Unlock Mode on the touchscreen.

While this feature helps prevent unauthorized access from other doors, it can lead to confusion if you forget to unlock the other doors for your passengers.

#2. Child Locks

For safety reasons, Tesla incorporates a feature that prevents the rear doors from being opened using the interior release buttons.

With this feature enabled, unlocking the rear doors requires the use of the touchscreen, mobile app, or key fob.

To enable or disable this feature, go to Controls > Locks > Child Lock on the touchscreen. Additionally, you can choose to enable it for a specific door.

Although this feature proves helpful when transporting children or pets in the back seat, it can be inconvenient when a quick exit from the rear doors is necessary.

#3. Walk-Away Door Lock

Tesla offers a feature that automatically locks all doors and trunks when the driver walks away from the car with the phone key or paired key fob.

However, certain conditions can impede this feature’s functionality, such as a key left inside the car, a door or trunk not fully closed, the phone key’s Bluetooth setting turned off, or a key remaining within range for an extended period after closing all doors.

To check if this feature is enabled, access Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock on the touchscreen. You can also exclude your home location from this feature by selecting the Exclude Home checkbox.

While this feature proves convenient for securing the car without pressing any buttons, malfunctions or leaving someone inside the car can result in issues.

#4. Door Handle Malfunction

Door handle malfunctions can occur due to physical damage, dirt, ice, or software glitches. In such cases, try the following methods to open the door:

Press and hold the door handle for 5 seconds (Model S and X) or pull and hold the door handle for 5 seconds (Model 3 and Y). This action may reset the door handle mechanism and allow it to open.

Use the voice command “Open all doors” while inside the car. This command may override any lock settings and open all doors.

Utilize the manual door release located in front of the window switches (only for front doors). Although designed for emergency situations when the car has no power, it may function in cases where the door handle fails.

How Do Tesla Door Handle Work?

Tesla’s door handles operate using a unique and intricate mechanism that sets them apart in the market.

While many vehicles possess concealed, flush door handles, Tesla’s specialized door handles automatically unlock and open when approached by a keyholder.

This seamless process extends to various Tesla models, such as the Model S, which opens its door handles automatically as the driver approaches the vehicle.

Tesla employs an array of technologies, including actuators and micro switches, to operate these convenient and user-friendly door handles.

Not only do the handles unlock upon approach, but they also retract once the vehicle is in motion.

If the driver stops for an extended period before entering the car, the door handles will also retract, ensuring optimal functionality during everyday scenarios.

How Often Do Tesla Door Handles Fail?

Over the years, Tesla door handles experienced a relatively high failure rate, often occurring after approximately 20,000 miles of driving.

However, the company has made numerous updates and upgrades to address these issues.

Changes include ceasing the use of certain sensors and implementing solid-state systems, enhancing wiring and connector quality, and improving alignment and lubrication of the mechanism.

These modifications have significantly reduced the failure rate of Tesla door handles, though occasional issues persist, especially in cold weather or following software updates.

Tesla provides a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty for its door handles, covering repair costs free of charge within this period.

Any failures occurring after the warranty period would require the owner to bear the repair expenses, which typically range from $200 to $800 per door handle.

How Do You Open a Frozen Tesla Door Handle?

Experiencing a stuck door handle on a Tesla due to freezing can be immensely frustrating, potentially trapping you inside or outside the vehicle. Consider these steps to address a frozen door handle:

Gently tap or knock on the door handle to loosen it. You can use your hand, or a soft object like a glove or cloth, ensuring caution to avoid damaging the paint or scratching the handle’s surface.

Utilize the defrost function on the Tesla app or touchscreen to melt any ice or snow obstructing the door handle. This function also warms the car’s interior, facilitating the opening of windows and doors. Allow a few minutes for the defrost function to effectively work.

Thaw out the frozen door handle using warm water or a de-icer spray.

Exercise caution not to employ excessive amounts, as it may damage electrical components or lead to subsequent ice formation. After utilizing this method, ensure any excess moisture is thoroughly dried.

Apply heat directly to the frozen door handle using a hair dryer or heat gun. This approach may yield faster results, but exercise extreme care to prevent overheating or burning the handle or any other part of the vehicle.

Avoid using an extension cord or plugging in devices near flammable materials.

Tesla passenger doors not unlocking due to freezing is a prevalent issue encountered by many owners in cold climates. By implementing these methods, you can ideally open your doors without undue difficulty.

If none of these approaches prove successful, contact Tesla service for further assistance.