NHTSA Orders Tesla to Recall 19,917 Model 3 and Y Vehicles After Rejecting Headlight Safety Bid
Updated
Updated · TESLARATI · Jul 16
NHTSA Orders Tesla to Recall 19,917 Model 3 and Y Vehicles After Rejecting Headlight Safety Bid
1 articles · Updated · TESLARATI · Jul 16
Summary
About 19,917 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from model years 2017-2023 must be recalled after NHTSA denied Tesla’s petition to avoid a remedy for noncompliant headlights.
NHTSA said Tesla failed to prove the defect was inconsequential to safety, rejecting its argument that the lamps did not raise crash risk despite potential glare to other drivers, especially in some weather conditions.
Testing cited by the agency found some lamps exceeded the federal 125-candela limit, with right-hand units measuring as high as 230.1 cd and left-hand units up to 171.27 cd.
Tesla had filed the noncompliance report on March 15, 2024 and argued there were no related complaints, crashes or injuries, but the denial now requires owner notification and a free fix under federal law.
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Tesla Headlight Recall 2026: NHTSA Orders Fix for 19,900 Model 3 and Y Vehicles Due to Excessive Glare
Overview
In July 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered a major recall of nearly 20,000 older Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to headlights that create excessive glare, posing a safety risk to both drivers and others on the road. Although Tesla initially claimed the issue was not significant, NHTSA disagreed and denied Tesla’s request to avoid the recall. As a result, Tesla must now notify all affected owners and provide a fix to resolve the headlight problem, ensuring the vehicles meet safety standards and reducing the risk of accidents caused by glare.