Tesla Model Y Owner Warning, “I Pushed the Trunk Close Button, and Then I Saw My Daughter’s Hand, I Had To Force It Open To Keep It From Crushing Her”

"I could have crushed her little hand."

I found Steve's cautionary tale on the Tesla Model Y Owners Club Facebook page. It serves as a stark reminder. While the Tesla Model Y is a fantastic choice for families, being aware of potential dangers is crucial, especially for parents with small children.

Imagine loading your two small children into a Tesla Model Y. You buckle them into their car seats, open the rear hatch, and finish loading your cargo for the trip.

However, your four-year-old daughter can squirm free and turn around in her car seat without you knowing it. You finish loading, push the rear hatches' close button, and then see your daughter inside the upper hatch area with her hand. 

You can see it closing on her hand, and you can hold the hatch up and keep it from crushing her fingers. That happened to Steve Moonster. 

Steve says, 

"Model Y owners with kids! Be careful when closing the rear hatch. My daughter scared the heck out of me today. Just when I pushed the close button on the trunk, I saw her hand and jumped to force the trunk from closing." 

Her hand could have been crushed, and she could have been severely injured. "I never thought kids' hands could reach this area."

"I can imagine how much leverage the hatch would have put on those little fingers, which is very dangerous."

What do parents in the comments section say?

Moni Val Tell - I agree. Whenever I close the trunk, I tell the kids, "Move away. So dangerous.

Justin Langan - That's not just a Model Y issue. That's a hatchback with a powered tailgate issue. I'm not 100% sure there is any way around the problem.

Gregory Rodgers - Excellent PSA! I didn't consider this as a possibility. I have a four and a seven-year-old. Thank you for the awareness post.

Rotem P Avituv - Thank you for the heads up! I am a father, and nothing is more important to me than the well-being of my children. That's a good warning!

The Tesla Motors Club underscores the need for constant vigilance. The power-assisted closing mechanism of a Tesla Model Y hatch could potentially cause injury if a child's fingers are caught. It's a reminder to always be alert when closing the hatch around children and to report any issues with the closing force to Tesla service immediately. 

Key points to remember:

• Safety first: Always ensure children are a safe distance away when closing the hatch, and consider using a designated adult to supervise the process. 
• Potential for injury: The power-assisted closing mechanism can exert significant force, potentially causing harm if a child's fingers are caught. 
• Check for obstructions: Before closing the hatch, visually check for any obstructions, including small hands or fingers. 
• Report issues to Tesla: If you notice any hatch closing force or behavior issues, contact Tesla service to have it inspected and potentially adjusted. 
• If a child's fingers get caught, Immediately stop the closing motion. If a child's fingers are caught, quickly press the button to stop the hatch from closing.
• Check for injuries: Carefully assess the child's fingers for any signs of injury, and seek medical attention if necessary. 

Final Thoughts and Questions For Tesla Model Y Owners

Steve had forty shares and 73 comments on his post, which was a good warning for parents. 

Have you had a similar experience with your child's fingers getting too close to the rear hatch? Your story could help other parents. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your experience.

Check out my Tesla Model Y story: I Bought A 2025 Tesla Model Y Performance, After 90 Days I Love Driving This Thing, However, My Only Complaint Is How Light the Doors Are

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl