NHTSA Denies Tesla Petition, Mandates Recall Fix for 20,000 Vehicles Over Headlight Glare

U.S. auto safety regulators have denied a petition from Tesla seeking to bypass a recall fix for nearly 20,000 vehicles whose headlights may exceed maximum brightness levels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded the issue poses a safety risk, mandating a remedy for the affected cars.

Regulatory Decision

The ruling, announced Thursday, affects approximately 19,900 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from the 2017-2023 model years, according to the agency. Tesla had filed the petition in 2024, arguing that the noncompliance was "inconsequential to motor vehicle safety" and did not warrant a full recall or owner notification.

NHTSA disagreed with Tesla's assessment. The agency stated it rejected the conclusion that there is no increased risk of glare for surrounding traffic or the driver of the vehicle.

Agency Cites Safety Risks

In its decision, NHTSA warned that weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog could worsen the issue. The agency said the noncompliant headlights could cause "veiling glare to the driver or other road users" in such conditions.

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Tesla had stated in its petition that it was unaware of any complaints, reports of accidents, or injuries related to this issue. The electric vehicle manufacturer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the agency's decision.

Broader Context on Lighting Issues

This decision aligns with previous NHTSA actions on similar matters. In 2022, the agency rejected a comparable petition from General Motors to avoid a recall fix for 820,000 vehicles over a lighting issue.

The topic of headlight glare is a wider concern among drivers. A March survey from the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that six in 10 drivers report that glare from other vehicles is a problem, with many believing it has worsened over the past decade.