Tesla recalls nearly 20,000 Model 3 and Y vehicles over low beams that may be too bright

Federal brightness-limit rules are behind a Tesla recall covering roughly 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles after the company determined that some low-beam headlights may produce more light than federal standards allow.

Tesla said the condition could reduce visibility for both the driver and motorists coming the other way.

A repair schedule has not yet been set.

Here's what to know

Forbes reported that the recall applies to Model 3 vehicles from 2017 through 2023 and Model Y vehicles from 2020 through 2023.

In Tesla's filing, the company said the low beams on those vehicles may exceed the light output permitted under federal law, which can make it harder for drivers and oncoming traffic to see and increase the risk of a crash.

Because Tesla is still working on a fix, owner notifications are not expected until mid-September.

Owners who believe their vehicle could be part of the recall can call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

More background

Separate from the headlight recall, NHTSA is investigating 1.2 million Tesla vehicles following reports of suspension failures that could cause "a loss of vehicle directional control."

Ongoing scrutiny tied to Tesla's Autopilot system, which has been linked to hundreds of crashes and dozens of deaths and has resulted in major legal settlements.

Over the weekend, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said his Tesla was using autopilot when he was involved in a crash near downtown Palo Alto.

This is at least Tesla's fifth NHTSA recall of the year. Earlier actions included a May recall of more than 218,000 Model 3, Model Y, and Model S/X vehicles over rear-camera issues, Cybertrucks that could experience stud-hole cracking, and a small number of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles imported from Canada without meeting U.S. safety standards.

What's being done?

For now, Tesla has said only that it is developing a remedy.

The company's current update is that a remedy "is currently under development."

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