Tesla is recalling more than 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the U.S. because their low-beam headlights exceed legal brightness limits. The issue cannot be fixed with a software update and requires physical repair.
Tesla has initiated a recall of more than 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the United States due to front low-beam headlights that do not meet current safety standards. Unlike typical Tesla recalls, which are usually resolved through over-the-air software updates, this case requires manual intervention and component replacement at an authorized service center.
The recall covers 18,735 Model Y vehicles produced between 2020 and 2023, as well as 1,614 Model 3 vehicles manufactured from 2017 to 2023. The affected vehicles are equipped with lighting assemblies supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting.
According to technical regulations, the maximum allowable light intensity is 125 candela, but laboratory tests revealed that the lights in these assemblies can reach up to 230.1 candela. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that excessively bright low beams can impair the visibility of oncoming drivers and other road users, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Non-compliance with component specifications has been ongoing for several years. As early as 2023, a Canadian laboratory discovered during routine testing that the lights did not meet standards, which was later confirmed by an internal audit conducted by Tesla itself.
Once the irregularities were identified, Tesla initially proposed recalling a smaller number of vehicles and submitted a petition to NHTSA to avoid recalling all non-compliant models. The company relied on the fact that the faulty lights had not caused any accidents or injuries, although there were three warranty claims and one field report related to the issue. However, the regulatory agency denied Tesla's petition in July 2026, making the recall unavoidable.
The recall applies to vehicles in the U.S., and owners will need to visit a service center for physical replacement of the faulty light assemblies. For Croatian Tesla owners, sources do not provide specific information about whether their vehicles are affected by this recall.
