NHTSA complaint #11704134

Owner complaint summary

Description of Issue On the date(s) above, I experienced the following problem with the vehicle: • The vehicle locked its doors spontaneously (or automatically) after I exited the vehicle. • At the time of locking, the key fob (Intelligent Key) was inside the vehicle (or believed to be inside). • The locking happened without pressing the lock button on the key fob, without the interior lock lever being used, and without the doors being manually closed by anybody else. • I did not use the exterior “touch-sensor” or handle-lock (if equipped), or if I did, I was unaware — the lock occurred unexpectedly. • As a result, the doors were locked with keys inside, and it was not possible to reopen the doors using the key fob or interior unlock controls. • I believe this event constitutes a safety hazard / defect because the vehicle’s owner manual states that locking via exterior handle-touch should be disabled when the key is detected inside the vehicle; thus the locking behavior appears to contradict the manufacturer’s design and safety intent. Impact / Consequences Describe any consequences or harm caused by the incident: I was stuck out in the cold weather with my car running and had to wait for my husband to show up to unlock the door. His app was unable to unlock the car remotely. The app kept getting messages that said that unlock failed. Any Other Relevant Information • Approximate time between exit and lock (if known): Unknown (few minutes?) • Whether the vehicle had been left running or turned off: Vehicle was running • Whether child seats or passengers were inside: No one was inside the vehicle • Whether you attempted to unlock using remote / key fob / manual key or via interior unlock controls: Attempted remotely. My phone was in the car. Requested Outcome I request that NHTSA (or the manufacturer / dealer): • Investigate this locking behavior as a potential safety defect. • Inform me (the reporter) of the investigation status.