2023 Tesla Model Y lighting problems

Related recalls

• Recall 26V507000Aug 4, 202620,349 vehicles
  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 Associated Equipment."

  Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

• Recall 22V844000Nov 15, 2022321,628 vehicles
  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.

  Risk: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  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. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemLighting

   On September 13, 2026, my 2023 Tesla Model Y (13,300 miles) displayed a High Voltage System alert stating the vehicle may not restart and service was required. I brought the vehicle to the Tesla Service Center for diagnosis. The technician found the alert occurred when the brake pedal was applied and identified electromagnetic interference affecting signal integrity in that circuit. On September 17, 2026, a ferrite suppressor was installed to address the interference, and…

   NHTSA complaint #11766118 · source
2. Filed Aug 11, 2026NJLighting

   I am filing a complaint regarding the low-beam headlights on my Tesla. The headlights emit an excessively bright glare that impairs the visibility of oncoming traffic and surrounding motorists, creating a hazardous driving condition. This issue corresponds to federal safety non-compliance under FMVSS No. 108 and NHTSA Recall Campaign No. 26V507, where the low beams were found to output up to 230.1 candela, nearly doubling the legal federal limit of 125 candela. The excessive…

   NHTSA complaint #11756327 · source
3. Filed May 5, 2026CALighting

   While using Full Self-Driving on my 2023 Tesla Model Y, the automatic high beams repeatedly activate in active traffic conditions, including when following other vehicles and when oncoming traffic is present. The system does not consistently dim the lights, creating glare that could impair visibility for other drivers. The driver is unable to permanently disable automatic high beams while FSD is engaged.

   NHTSA complaint #11735720 · source
4. Filed Feb 24, 2026COElectrical SystemLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle display flashed red and then the vehicle turned off completely while in traffic with no ability to change gear, operate the electronic door releases, or turn the hazards on. Safety was put at risk because insufficient notice of failure was given so it was impossible to get out of traffic, the vehicle could not be put in neutral so could not be pushed out of traffic, further the hazard lights could not be turned on so I had to stand in traffic waiving people…

   NHTSA complaint #11720264 · source
5. Filed Nov 13, 2025SCElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

   First cold day of the year and the heater stopped working. With the heater not available the windshield couldn’t be cleared it would always fog and cover the windshield blocking the view infront of the vehicle. Next couple days it was even cooler and the windshield was frozen with no way of heating and clearing the view. Yes the issue was reproduced by the service center upon taking the vehicle there once the vehicle was a little warm. Tesla service center mentioned there…

   NHTSA complaint #11699265 · source
6. Filed Dec 21, 2024VALighting

   Heads do not work properly. Dark spots appear during night time driving. While driving during night you can see portions of the left side of the road. This car was bought brand new and I have made two appointments to correct this problem. But was told it was normal. Can’t see a portion of the road so this is definitely not normal.

   NHTSA complaint #11631982 · source
7. Filed Nov 7, 2024OKElectrical SystemLighting

   Driving Incident with Auto High Beam: I was driving on the freeway early in the morning with the auto high beam feature activated. However, due to heavy fog, I wanted to turn it off. I asked my passenger to help me find the option on the screen. Unfortunately, she clicked the wrong button, which completely turned off all the lights while we were driving. This caused a moment of panic, and I had to slam the brakes, realizing I had veered off the road. Thankfully, there was no…

   NHTSA complaint #11624061 · source
8. Filed Jul 9, 2024CALighting

   I had the vehicle wrapped on July 5, 2024. The vehicle has never been in a collision. The shop whom did the work did a video of the install showing it was a manufacturer defect. Took the vehicle to Tesla and they denied my warranty even when showing them proof. Both left and right side headlights have the mounting issue which could cause undesired beam to incoming traffic. Bumper is the only thing holding the headlights.

   NHTSA complaint #11600637 · source
9. Filed Feb 17, 2024GAElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   I was driving my vehicle and the vehicle suddenly started giving warnings. The gas pedal lost all power immediately and the car started to slow down. I then stepped on the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop and turned on the hazard light. However, after around 5 minutes, the car completely shut down and the hazard light also stopped functioning.

   NHTSA complaint #11572565 · source
10. Filed Feb 16, 2024CALighting

    The tail lights get condensation inside which causes the brake lamp not to be as bright, and when in freezing tempures it acutuly freezes making it worest. Tesla replaced it once and the same day the new tail lamp had condensation I reached out to Tesla and now they are stating "Tesla's tail lights are not actually sealed. There is a small pin hole in the center of the light to allow the transfer of moisture. Small amounts of condensation are very normal especially after…

    NHTSA complaint #11572333 · source
11. Filed Feb 2, 2024CACrashTowedBody & StructureLightingAcceleration & Cruise Control

    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 complaint #11569570 · source
12. Filed Jan 7, 2024GALighting

    Tail lamp, brake lamp, turn signal, and reverse light housings become obstructed with condensation on the inside of the housings.

    NHTSA complaint #11564062 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology