NHTSA Complaint #11475356 — 2022 TESLA MODEL Y

Front trunk (hood) flew open while driving at approximately 40mph. The front trunk lid/hood opened completely and smashed into the windshield, completely blocking driver visibility and breaking the glass. It is unclear as to how the front trunk became unlocked, but in the event it was unlocked while the car was in park, the car should not have been able to shift into gear. Tesla Model Y's Owners Manual states: "If the front trunk is not closed, a message displays on the touchscreen that you cannot shift the vehicle out of Park until the front trunk is securely closed (see Park)." Additionally, the Owners Manual states: "Model Y will not shift out of Park if the front trunk is not securely shut" In the event the trunk was open prior to driving, the car should not have been able to shift out of Park. Or, if the trunk opened while driving, there was a latch or electrical problem. Tesla's representative reviewed the incident log from the vehicle and stated that an ignore button was pressed on screen, once the vehicle indicated that the front trunk was open. Quickly pressing a button while driving to a safe place to pull over is reasonable. But, regardless, there should be some sort of fail over that prevents the hood from flying open in the event the front trunk is accidentally opened, or in the event the trunk randomly opens on its own. Perhaps a secondary latch or disabling the vehicle from driving? The hood flying up, smashing the windshield and completely blocking the drivers' visibility could have caused a severe or potentially fatal collision. Additionally, the incident caused over $4,143.34 in vehicle damage on a car that has just 202 miles on it.