Tesla Forced to Recall Vehicles Over Overly Bright Headlights
NHTSA rejects Tesla's appeal, ordering fixes for 20,000 cars' non-compliant headlights.
1Headlight Brightness Issue
Tesla's low-beam headlights on 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles (2017-2023) exceed legal brightness limits. NHTSA determined this creates glare that compromises traffic safety by impairing oncoming drivers' visibility.
2Tesla's Appeal Denied
Tesla argued the lights fell outside oncoming drivers' field of vision, posing no safety risk. NHTSA rejected this claim, citing technical analysis and public complaints about glare affecting other motorists.
3Regulatory Action
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration formally denied Tesla's petition for exemption from recall. This compels Tesla to provide free repairs or replacements for affected vehicles.
4LED Headlight Technology Challenge
The combination of SUVs' elevated headlight positioning and widespread LED adoption makes modern low beams appear brighter. While adaptive lighting systems can mitigate this, many vehicles lack such technology.
5Legal Consequences
US drivers using illegally bright headlights face escalating fines, license suspension, and civil liability. Sales of non-compliant products are banned on platforms like Amazon.
6Congressional Response
The proposed LIGHT Safety Act by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez would establish maximum brightness limits for low beams. The bill is currently under committee review with no further action since March.
Original article: CNET — Tesla'nın Aşırı Parlak Farları İçin Geri Çağırma Zorunlu Oldu