Tesla Recalls 20,000 Cars After Drivers Complain of Blinding Headlights

Tesla is issuing a recall for nearly 20,000 vehicles following a federal safety probe into headlights that are too bright for other motorists. The recall covers certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles, as well as 2022-2023 Model Y units. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from a software glitch that can cause the daytime running lights to fail to dim when the high beams are activated, creating dangerous glare for oncoming traffic.

The problem was flagged after dozens of drivers reported being temporarily blinded by the intense light output, with some near-miss incidents logged. Tesla’s own internal reviews confirmed the software error, which prevents the headlight control module from properly switching between low and high beam settings.

The fix, however, is relatively painless: Tesla will push an over-the-air software update to affected vehicles, meaning owners won’t have to visit a service center. The company has already begun notifying customers, and the updated firmware is expected to resolve the brightness issue entirely.

While this recall is minor compared to Tesla’s past safety campaigns, which have involved everything from faulty steering to touchscreen failures, it underscores how software-driven vehicles can introduce unexpected problems. For now, Tesla owners should ensure their vehicle’s software is up to date, and if you’re driving a recalled model, keep an eye on your notifications.

The NHTSA will continue monitoring the fix, but early reports suggest the update is working as intended.