Topline
Tesla is recalling 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with low-beam headlights that violate federal brightness standards—the latest in a string of safety concerns for the automaker that have included problems with rear image cameras, brake rotors, battery packs and warning lights.
A Tesla Model Y is seen on a Tesla car lot on May 31, 2023 in Austin.
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Key Facts
Tesla has filed a safety recall for 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles because their low-beam headlights may exceed the maximum light output permitted under federal law.
The too-bright headlights may reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, the recall report claims, increasing the risk of crash.
Tesla says it doesn’t plan to notify owners of the problem until mid September because it’s still trying to figure out how to fix the problem.
The company says a remedy “is currently under development.”
Owners of affected vehicles can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
KEY BACKGROUND
Tesla has faced sustained regulatory pressure on multiple fronts and the recent headlight recall adds an exterior-lighting compliance failure to a record already crowded with software and driver-assistance controversies. Reuters last month reported the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating 1.2 million Tesla vehicles over reports of suspension failure that could cause “a loss of vehicle directional control,” and Tesla’s Autopilot system has been linked to hundreds of crashes and dozens of deaths, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in legal settlements. San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan this weekend said his Tesla was on autopilot when he was involved in an accident near downtown Palo Alto.
TANGENT
This is at least the fifth recall Tesla has filed with the NHTSA this year. More than 218,000 model 3, Model Y and Model S/X vehicles were recalled in May due to issues with rear cameras, some Cybertrucks are at risk of brick-rotor stud holes cracking and a handful of Model 3 and Model Y cars were imported to the U.S. from Canada without meeting American safety standards.
BIG NUMBER
9.2 million. That’s how many Tesla vehicles have been sold to date as of April.