Tesla Loses Bid to Dodge Headlight Recall on Nearly 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y Vehicles

Federal safety regulators have denied Tesla’s request to avoid a recall affecting roughly 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ruled that the vehicles’ headlights can be too bright at certain angles, potentially blinding oncoming drivers and increasing crash risk.

The decision means Tesla must fix the issue through a formal recall process.

The recall covers specific 2023-2024 Model 3 and 2024 Model Y units where the low-beam headlights may exceed federal glare limits. Tesla had argued that the problem was minor and didn’t warrant a full recall, but NHTSA disagreed after reviewing complaints and testing data. Owners will be notified by mail and can get free software adjustments at Tesla service centers to correct the light output.

This isn’t the first headlight-related headache for Tesla this year. The company has faced multiple NHTSA probes into lighting issues, including concerns about daytime running lights and taillights. For now, affected drivers should watch for recall notifications and schedule repairs promptly to avoid potential fines or safety risks.

Boca Auto Care recommends all EV owners stay current on recalls to keep their vehicles road-legal and safe.