NHTSA Tells Tesla No Free Pass on Safety Violations
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Notice
Summary
Tesla found that nearly 20,000 Model 3 and Model Y cars from 2017 to 2023 don’t fully meet a safety rule about lights and reflectors. Tesla asked the government to say this issue doesn’t really matter for safety, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said no. This means Tesla must follow the usual safety fix rules, which could affect owners soon and might cost some money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Recall Order for ~19,917 Tesla Cars
If you own a Tesla Model 3 (model years 2017–2023) or Model Y (model years 2020–2023) manufactured between October 27, 2017 and December 24, 2023, your vehicle is among approximately 19,917 cars NHTSA found to not meet FMVSS No. 108 lighting rules. On July 17, 2026, NHTSA denied Tesla’s petition and ordered Tesla to provide owner notification and a free remedy under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120.
Headlamp Intensity Exceeds Legal Limit
NHTSA found that the affected headlamps can measure as much as 230.1 candela (cd) in the 10° up to 90° up and 90° left to 90° right zone, exceeding the FMVSS No. 108 maximum of 125 cd by up to 105.1 cd. NHTSA concluded this excess can cause veiling glare to drivers or other road users—especially in adverse weather like rain, snow, or fog—creating a safety risk.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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