Tesla recalls 20,349 vehicles after the NHTSA dismisses its argument regarding the headlights.

      Tesla is recalling 20,349 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to their low beams exceeding federal photometric limits, after the NHTSA dismissed its claim that the issue was minor. The company indicates that a solution is still being developed, and owners will be informed by September 15.

      The recall affects 1,614 Model 3s manufactured between 2017 and 2023 and 18,735 Model Ys from 2020 to 2023, as Tesla has spent a year arguing against the need for this action based on the brightness of the headlights. Tesla had requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classify the issue as inconsequential, but the agency denied this in July, leading to the recall.

      While the matter seems specific, it is quantifiable. Federal standard FMVSS 108 limits low beam intensity to 125 candela in one upper zone of the beam pattern, whereas Tesla’s headlights measured up to 230.1 candela, exceeding the limit by approximately 84%. The headlight components are sourced from Marelli Automotive Lighting.

      Tesla contended that the extra brightness falls outside a driver's direct line of sight and does not pose a glare threat, referencing adaptive driving beam tests. The NHTSA, however, was unconvinced, stating that these tests only considered ideal conditions.

      “NHTSA disagrees with Tesla’s conclusion that there is no increased risk of glare for surrounding traffic or the driver of the vehicle in any driving conditions,” the agency noted, emphasizing that photometry limits are implemented specifically to manage veiling glare in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog.

      The limited scope of the vehicle count pertains to the production dates of the headlamps rather than the cars themselves. Vehicles manufactured after a certain cutoff date each year are impacted, as are those that had headlight components replaced during service.

      Tesla mentioned that a remedy is currently under development. According to Electrek, the recall announcement does not include mention of a software solution, suggesting that physical replacement of the assemblies may be necessary, which is more costly than Tesla's typical over-the-air updates. Owners are expected to be notified by September 15.

      This marks the second federal issue for Tesla in a two-week period. The NHTSA initiated an investigation in late July concerning lateral link failures on Model 3 and Model Y, impacting nearly 1.2 million vehicles following 156 complaints, after already recalling the same part earlier in 2023.

      Tesla's relationship with the NHTSA has been mixed; it was the first automaker to successfully pass NHTSA’s ADAS tests, even as 3.2 million of its vehicles are under scrutiny for separate investigations related to FSD crashes.