The probe covers an estimated 179,071 Model 3 sedans from the 2022 model year.
Tesla and NHTSA didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Bloomberg separately reported that potential safety issues with electric handles were raised with Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk during the development of the Model 3, and that he insisted on the futuristic design, which would include manual releases to mitigate power-loss problems.
Tesla shares fell 0.7% as of 11:41 a.m. Wednesday in New York.
