Tesla to recall over 20,000 EVs in US over overly bright headlights
Tesla is recalling 20,349 electric vehicles in the US after tests found their headlights can exceed the permitted brightness limit, risking glare for other road users. The issue affects Model Y and Model 3 vehicles.
Tesla will recall 20,349 electric vehicles in the United States to fix an issue with excessively bright headlights. According to American media reports, in certain areas of the light beam the headlights can exceed the intensity level allowed under safety regulations, creating a risk of blinding other road users.
Testing found light output reaching as high as 230.1 candela, compared to the permitted maximum of 125 candela. The problem has been traced to specific headlight units manufactured by Marelli Automotive Lighting.
Known since 2023
Tesla has reportedly been aware of the non-compliance since 2023 but considered the issue not serious enough to warrant recalling all affected vehicles. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disagreed with that assessment and formally requested a recall in July.
It is not yet clear how Tesla will fix the defect. The company is working on a solution, but it remains uncertain whether a software update will be sufficient or whether owners will need to have the headlight units replaced at a service center.
The recall covers 18,735 Model Y and 1,614 Model 3 vehicles sold in the US market.
