Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the Standard Mode or in Cruise Mode, depressing the brake pedal, there was a delay with the brake lights illuminating. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the taillights were functioning properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
FSD was unable to avoid object in road, may be due to how the adaptive headlights work as I was unable to see the object as well FSD/adaptive headlights may may it hard or impossible to see objects on road at night No In the process of a insurance claim No
The low beam left headlight (matrix LED) has had a dark spot in the drivers view since the vehicle was purchased in new in March 2024. This dark spot limits visibility at night and I feel is a serious safety issue. It has almost caused me to hit a pedestrian on more than one occasion. I raised this issue with Tesla service immediately after taking delivery of the vehicle. It's still not fixed. I've had (4) completed service appointments and they have failed to fix it. Their last response was "this is how the matrix LED lights function." If so, it should definitely be recalled. I did tell them I'm filing this report and they told me they would try to replace the left headlight. Sadly that's what it takes for a replacement. I've shared videos, pictures and had the service writer at Tesla confirm the dark spot is large enough to be concerning. …
The right rear taillight and turn signal on my Tesla Model Y became dim and intermittently flicker, and the turn signal does not function properly. This issue began immediately after a Tesla software update. The malfunction significantly reduces rear visibility and signaling to other drivers, especially at night, creating a safety risk. I contacted Tesla Service and provided photos/videos. Tesla have scheduled a repair which is 1 week later but declined to confirm whether the vehicle is safe or legal to drive with this lighting malfunction. Tesla also declined to provide a loaner vehicle or alternate transportation and advised me to use my own judgment. Rear lighting and turn signals are safety-critical components required by law. Operating the vehicle in this condition poses a risk of rear-end collision or failure to signal lane changes or turns. …
At 9:37 a.m. on January 26, I was driving on Freeway 60. The three cars in front of me braked suddenly. I stepped on the brake quickly, but after I stepped on the brake for 3 seconds, the speed of the car still did not slow down, and it directly hit the rear of the car in front.Afterwards, on the Tesla app on, an alarm was displayed, saying that at 9:37, there was a problem with the steering wheel and brakes(unavailable) And also, there is a Manufacturer recall number:TBD NHTSA Recall Number 24V-035; TC2024-027 (the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner, I want to file an online complaint with NHTSA)
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights inadvertently turned off. No warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle, and the headlights inadvertently turned on. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,370.
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at 50 - 60 MPH, the headlights inadvertently turned off for a few seconds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the computer data showed the high-beam was turning on and off but not the low-beam. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 440. Consumer stated the incident happened several (4 or 5) times during a 4 mile drive. Each incident's time ranged from a few seconds to about 30 seconds.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: Auto high beams; car is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk: In Arlington Heights, IL the car started automatically switching the high beams on and off. At first the auto high beams would engage for 7-10 seconds, then disengage for 7-10 seconds. Then the auto high beams engaged for 2-4 seconds and disengage for 2-4 seconds, as if flashing them. This is unsafe as it is distracting to the driver (me), it can obstruct the view of oncoming traffic, and it makes it appear as if I am driving erratically which can result in a traffic stop / unnecessary police intervention. …
Related recalls (3)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and…
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles equipped with a global rear lamp and tow package configuration. A software error prevents the illumination of trailer brake lights.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and has released the firmware update over-the-air (OTA) to vehicles as of September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Frequently asked questions
Which Tesla Model Y years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2023 (22), 2026 (21), 2022 (16), 2024 (13) and 2020 (9) model years. Headlight complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2023.
Is there a recall for Tesla Model Y headlight problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 26V-507 (headlights, Aug 4, 2026); 22V-844 (tail lights, Nov 15, 2022); 20V-609 (brake lights, Sep 30, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Tesla Model Y headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles; 100% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (2 mentions), followed by the back up lights › switch (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.