Tesla must physically recall over 20,000 Model 3 and Y EVs because their headlights are too bright
Date:
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:25:38 +0000
Description:
Teslas latest recall proves even the most software-focused EV needs hardware fixes.
FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Recall affects 20,349 vehicles in the United States Both Model 3 and Model Y could require new headlights NHTSA says low beams exceed maximum permitted light intensity Tesla will physically recall more than 20,000 vehicles in the US because their
headlights could reduce visibility for both the driver and fellow road users, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
The NHTSA recall, officially codenamed 26V507, includes 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles fitted with specific headlamp assemblies supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting. While there is no hard ceiling for the
maximum brightness of low- and high-beam headlights, the NHTSA measures brightness at designated test angles to prevent glare and the possible blinding of fellow road users.
According to the NHTSA, Teslas lamps are being recalled because the low beams exceed the maximum permitted light intensity in the outer upper-left and upper-right portions of a federally defined testing zone.
Electrek reports that Tesla was aware of the problem back in 2023, proposing to recall a small set of vehicles and petitioning the NHTSA to avoid a full recall. The petition was denied, and now Tesla will likely have to replace thousands of non-compliant headlamp assemblies as a result. You may like This Chinese EV wants to take on Tesla here's why I'm still not convinced Tesla just fixed one of my biggest problems with in-car Grok Huaweis XPixel smart headlight can project games, TV and more onto any surface
According to InsideEVs , Tesla says that it has not yet determined a fix for the vehicles and that the remedy is currently under development. Owners of
the affected vehicles will receive notifications of the next steps via mail
by September 15. Analysis: A silver lining for owners (Image credit: Tesla) While a major recall is never a good look for any automotive manufacturer, it is part and parcel of daily life, as safety administrations look to ensure vehicles are performing as they should throughout their lifecycle. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Tesla, like any other car company, isnt immune to recalls and has recently
had to contact thousands of owners over issues with rear cameras and fix Cybertruck wheels that could crack .
That said, the EV giant has also been able to fix many of the issues that
have arisen via over-the-air software updates.
Compare this to some of the largest recalls in history, which have affected millions of vehicles over decades, and Teslas physical recall numbers are relatively small fry.
Whats more, Not a Tesla App points out that, should Tesla have to replace entire headlamp assemblies, owners of these older vehicles may receive a free upgrade to Teslas matrix headlights, which offer improved illumination when driving at night. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.
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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/tesla-must-phy sically-recall-over-20-000-model-3-and-y-evs-because-their-headlights-are-too- bright
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