What just happened? If you've ever been dazzled by the headlights of some Tesla vehicles and wondered why they're so bright, here's the reason: The EV giant is recalling over 20,000 vehicles with low-beam headlights exceeding the maximum legal limit – in some cases, the lights were twice as bright as allowed. It's an issue that Tesla has been aware of since spring 2024, but it's only doing something about it now.
The affected vehicles consists of 1,614 Model 3 sedans built between July 24, 2017, and December 2, 2023, and 18,735 Model Y crossovers manufactured between February 11, 2020, and December 24, 2023.
The NHTSA recall report notes that low-beam output exceeding the maximum permitted intensity may reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
As Electrek explains, the problem involves certain headlights supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting. Measurements found that light output in the upper corners of the low-beam pattern exceeded limits imposed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. Some produced more than double the maximum intensity.
Tesla discovered the issue in March 2024 while preparing a separate Canadian recall. However, it argued that the noncompliance was inconsequential to safety and petitioned NHTSA to let it avoid notifying owners or providing a remedy.
The automaker said it was unaware of any complaints, crashes, or injuries linked to the headlights. The NHTSA, however, disagreed, warning that the excess light could cause glare, particularly during rain, fog, or snow. The agency denied Tesla's petition last month, leading to the recall.
Unlike many Tesla recalls, it's unlikely that this one could be addressed through a quick over-the-air software update. The company says a remedy is still under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in phases beginning September 15.
Tesla says compliant headlights from another supplier entered Model 3 production in July 2020. Model Y production adopted replacement units in December 2022 at Fremont and August 2023 at Austin. Some later vehicles are included because they received affected lamps during servicing.
Tesla is no stranger to recalls, of course. Last year, it recalled more than 46,000 Cybertrucks over exterior panels that could detach while driving. The Cybertruck had already accumulated eight recalls since deliveries began, covering problems including stuck accelerator pedals and faulty electric inverters. But that hasn't stopped NASA from using the EV to help astronauts escape if something goes wrong during a rocket launch.
