Tesla recall 20,000 Model 3/Y for headlights that are too bright

This is a car recall, not a home energy story, but here's the rundown if you or your household drives one of these cars. Tesla is recalling more than 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because their low-beam headlights are too bright. The recall covers Model Y cars from 2020 to 2023 and Model 3 cars from 2017 to 2023, all with a specific headlight assembly supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting. The federal brightness limit is 125 candela, and Tesla's headlights tested as bright as 230 candela.

The problem has been known for a couple of years. A Canadian lab flagged the headlights as out of spec in 2023, and Tesla confirmed the issue itself. The company tried to limit the recall to a smaller group of cars and asked federal regulators to let it avoid a full recall, arguing the bright lights hadn't caused any accidents. Regulators denied that request in July, which led to this recall.

Unlike many Tesla recalls that get fixed with a software update, this one appears to need a physical repair, meaning new headlight hardware and installation labor. Tesla notified its sales locations last week, and owners of affected vehicles will get a notice by mail by September 15. That notice will explain the next steps for getting the headlights replaced.