Tesla Has to Fix Headlight Issue on Older Model Y and Model 3 Vehicles, NHTSA Rules
The agency denied Tesla's petition claiming the headlight noncompliance was inconsequential to safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has denied Tesla's petition to avoid a recall of nearly 20,000 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles over headlight lighting levels that may exceed federal safety standards.
What Happened
NHTSA ruled on July 16, 2026 that Tesla must remedy the headlight issue covering approximately 19,917 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles built from 2017 to 2023. Tesla had petitioned for an exemption from a recall, arguing that the noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 was "inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety." The agency rejected this argument, stating it disagreed with Tesla's assumption that glare is not increased for surrounding traffic and noted the issue could be exacerbated in certain weather conditions. Testing by Tesla's headlight supplier Marelli Automotive Lighting found photometric intensity levels reaching up to 230.1 candela on right-hand lamps and 160.3 candela on left-hand lamps, exceeding the maximum allowed threshold of 125 candela.
Why It Matters
Owners of affected Model Y and Model 3 vehicles may experience headlights that produce excessive brightness for oncoming traffic, potentially causing visibility issues for other drivers. Tesla argued no complaints, accidents, or injuries had been linked to the noncompliance, but NHTSA determined this did not justify exempting the company from addressing the issue. Under federal law, Tesla is now obligated to notify affected owners and provide the remedy at no cost.
The Bottom Line
Tesla must move forward with the recall fix for its 2017-2023 Model Y and Model 3 headlight noncompliance, despite having argued the issue posed no safety risk. Owners of affected vehicles can expect notification from Tesla regarding free remediation.
