Headlights Too Glare, Tesla Pulls Tens of Thousands of Cars for This Model

Tesla Model 3. (Photo: Tesla)

JAKARTA - Driving at night can be a challenge when drivers have to deal with the headlights of vehicles from the opposite direction. This condition is now a concern for Tesla after the company found that the low beam lights on a number of Model 3 and Model Y have an intensity exceeding the limit allowed in the United States (US).

The problem made Tesla recall a number of Model 3 and Model Y units. The affected headlights are supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting and are known to have excessive intensity on the upper right outer area and the upper left outer area.

In the recall notice, Tesla said the condition could potentially reduce the driver's field of vision and other road users. If left unchecked, this problem can increase the risk of accidents.

Launching from Carscoops, Thursday. August 13, the recall covers Tesla Model 3 production from 2017 to 2023. However, the number of units affected is relatively limited, namely 1,614 units, which were produced from July 24, 2017 to December 2, 2023.

Meanwhile, Tesla Model Y which is included in the recall program reached 18,735 units. The affected vehicles were produced from February 11, 2020 to December 24, 2023.

Tesla first became aware of the potential problem on January 16, 2024. The finding came months after Transport Canada's annual compliance program found that the low beam headlights on the 2019 Tesla Model 3 did not meet safety standards in force in Canada.

The US electric car manufacturer then announced a recall related to the problem on March 9, 2024. Weeks later, Tesla filed a petition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to request an exemption on the grounds that the damage did not have a significant impact on the safety of motor vehicles.

However, NHTSA rejected Tesla's petition three weeks ago. Most of the Model 3 and Model Y that are included in the latest recall have actually been covered by the previous recall in 2024.

Tesla then added 432 vehicles to the recall list after finding that the use of headlights that do not meet standards lasted longer than the initial estimate. Until now, Tesla is still making efforts to fix the problem.