Tesla Recalls 20,349 Vehicles Over Excessive Headlight Brightness

Tesla is recalling 20,349 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the United States because their low-beam headlights exceed federal brightness limits. The recall affects Model 3 vehicles produced between 2017 and 2023 and Model Y vehicles from 2020 to 2023.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that the excessive light output creates glare that can impair visibility for oncoming drivers, which increases the risk of crashes. Tesla attempted to avoid the recall by petitioning regulators to classify the brightness violation as inconsequential to safety, but the agency rejected the appeal and mandated the action.

Tesla is currently developing a remedy for the affected vehicles and does not plan to notify owners until mid-September. This recall occurs alongside other safety scrutiny, including a separate investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into suspension failures affecting 1.2 million vehicles.