Tesla is recalling more than 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over headlight compliance.
Transport Canada testing identified the low-beam compliance problem before Tesla pursued a U.S. regulatory exemption.
NHTSA rejected Tesla’s exemption request, while the automaker continues developing a repair for affected vehicles.
Tesla is recalling more than 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles after U.S. regulators rejected the automaker’s request to treat a headlight compliance issue as inconsequential to vehicle safety.
The problem involves low-beam headlamps supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting. Tesla has admitted that light intensity can exceed regulatory limits in portions of the beam pattern, specifically the outer upper-left and outer upper-right areas.
The affected population includes 1,614 Model 3 vehicles built from July 24, 2017, through Dec. 2, 2023. Another 18,735 Model Y vehicles manufactured between Feb. 11, 2020, and Dec. 24, 2023, are included.
Excessive light intensity can affect visibility for approaching road users and potentially interfere with a driver’s ability to see surrounding traffic conditions. Tesla’s recall documentation identifies an increased crash risk as the potential safety consequence.
Canadian compliance testing played an early role in identifying the issue. Transport Canada’s annual vehicle compliance program tested a 2019 Model 3 and determined its low beams did not meet applicable Canadian safety requirements. Tesla became aware of the potential concern on Jan. 16, 2024.
The automaker subsequently announced a recall connected to the headlamp issue on March 9, 2024. It later petitioned the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for an exemption from recall requirements, arguing that the non-compliance was inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.
NHTSA ultimately denied the request, leading to the latest U.S. recall action. The decision means the affected headlamps must be addressed as a safety-related regulatory non-compliance rather than being permitted to remain in service without corrective action.
Most vehicles covered by the latest recall were already part of Tesla’s earlier 2024 action. However, the company has added an extra 432 vehicles following additional investigation.
Tesla Model 3 Photo: TeslaTesla determined that non-compliant headlamp assemblies had continued to be installed during vehicle servicing for longer than its initial assessment indicated.
A final repair procedure has not yet been detailed. Tesla is developing a remedy for the affected Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
Source: Carscoops
