Tesla's Latest Recall Ends Fight Over Headlights
» Posted August 31, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Tesla is recalling more than 20,349 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because of a problem with their headlights: they are too bright.
The cars’ low-beam headlights emit more light than federal regulations allow, according to a recall report the automaker filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a problem for people in the cars and anyone on the road with them.
“Headlamp low-beam output that exceeds the maximum allowed intensity may reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of crash,” Tesla said in the report.
The recall covers 2020-2023 Model Y sport utility vehicles and 2017-2023 Model 3 sedans. Tesla had previously petitioned NHTSA to exempt it from the headlights standard, but the agency denied the petition, according to USA Today.
Tesla issued a similar recall in March 2024, explaining that the defective headlamps at issue then were already out of production. This time around, the company says it is still working on a fix for the issue.
“The remedy is currently under development,” Tesla said in the recall notice.
Tesla Safety Issues
This is far from Tesla’s first rodeo when it comes to safety recalls. Like other major auto manufacturers, the company recalls several vehicles every year, citing a wide range of defects that put people’s safety at risk.
The company recently recalled nearly 200 Cybertrucks due to a defect that Tesla said could cause the vehicles’ wheels to fall off. It also said the problem increased the risk of accidents.
NHTSA last year launched an investigation into certain Model Y vehicles, over reports that children could be stuck in the cars. Tesla also continues to navigate the fallout surrounding fatal accidents involving cars engaged in Autopilot mode, the automaker’s controversial driver-assist technology.
Know Your Lemon Law Rights
Car owners and lessors in California have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. You do not need to wait for a recall to be formally announced in order to get a defective vehicle fixed in many situations.
The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.
There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take action.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
