Tesla Recalls 20,349 Model 3 and Model Y Cars Over Headlights That Are Too Bright

If you've ever been blinded by the car behind you at night, there's a chance it was a Tesla — and a chance those headlights were actually breaking the rules. Tesla has issued a recall covering 20,349 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles whose low-beam headlights exceed the maximum legal brightness.

What makes this one unusual is that it's not a software fix. Most Tesla recalls get resolved with an over-the-air update, sometimes one that's already been pushed before owners even get the notice. This time, the recall paperwork contains no mention of a software remedy, which points to a physical headlamp replacement.

Which cars are affected

• 18,735 Model Y vehicles from model years 2020–2023
• 1,614 Model 3 vehicles from model years 2017–2023
• Affected cars use headlamp assemblies 1077371-98-L and 1077372-00-L, supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting
• Most were built before June 2, 2023, though 432 additional vehicles received the affected headlights between that date and May 3, 2024

The spec calls for a maximum of 125 candela. In testing, Tesla's headlights measured as high as 230.1 candela — roughly 84% over the limit. That's a meaningful difference for oncoming drivers, even if it never felt like a problem from the driver's seat.

How we got here

This issue has been simmering for a couple of years. In 2023, a Canadian lab found the headlights out of spec during routine testing, and Tesla's own follow-up checks confirmed it. Tesla proposed recalling only a small set of vehicles and petitioned NHTSA to avoid a full recall of every noncompliant car, arguing the headlights hadn't caused any accidents or injuries. There have been 3 warranty claims and 1 field report tied to the issue.

NHTSA denied that petition in July, which made this recall inevitable. Because Tesla fought it, the company is now on the hook for 20,349 sets of headlights plus the labor to install them — a far more expensive outcome than a software patch.

What owners should do

Tesla notified its sales locations last week, and owner notification letters are scheduled to go out by September 15. Those letters will spell out the exact remedy and how to schedule service. In the meantime, there's nothing an owner needs to buy or install — the fix will be done at no cost to you, as recall repairs always are.

Quick tip: you can check whether your specific car is included at any time by running your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, or by checking the Service tab in your Tesla app. Don't wait on the mailer if you're curious.

What this means for your night driving setup

Headlight glare is one of the most common complaints EV owners hear from other drivers, and it's worth knowing that a recall like this doesn't change how you should be maintaining your lighting. A few practical notes while you wait for your notification:

• Don't try to DIY-dim your headlights. Tinting, filming, or otherwise covering a headlamp lens is illegal in most states and will make your beams unsafe rather than compliant. Let the service center handle the swap.
• Keep your lenses clean. Road film and haze scatter light and can make glare worse for everyone. A basic lens cleaning or restoration kit goes a long way, especially on older Model 3 and Model Y cars from this same era.
• Check your auto-highbeam settings. If your car is aggressively flipping to high beams on unlit roads, turning that feature off manually is an easy fix that costs nothing.
• Carry backup light. If you're ever stopped roadside at night, a portable work light or flashing warning beacon does far more for your visibility and safety than your headlights do.

If you own a 2017–2023 Model 3 or a 2020–2023 Model Y, watch your mailbox over the next month. This is a straightforward, no-cost repair — just one that requires an appointment rather than an overnight download.