US safety regulators rejected Tesla's bid to sidestep a recall over headlights that may shine too brightly, forcing a fix for about 19,900 Model 3 and Model Y cars. Tesla had called the problem harmless; NHTSA disagreed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration denied a 2024 petition filed by Tesla to skip a recall fix for nearly 20,000 vehicles whose headlights may exceed maximum lighting levels. The automaker had asked to avoid both the repair and any notification to consumers.
Why the regulator overruled Tesla
Tesla argued the defect was inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. But NHTSA said it disagreed with the conclusion that there is no increased risk of glare for surrounding traffic or for the driver.
The recall covers about 19,900 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from the 2017 to 2023 model years. The agency warned that weather such as rain, snow, and fog could cause veiling glare for the driver or other road users near those cars. Tesla said it is unaware of any complaints, accidents, or injuries tied to the issue and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A pattern of glare rulings
The decision echoes earlier agency actions. NHTSA noted that in 2022 it rejected a similar petition from GM seeking to avoid fixing 820,000 vehicles over a lighting problem.
That same year, the regulator turned down a petition asking it to require recalls for LED headlights on vehicles including some Tesla Model 3, Ford Bronco, and Rivian R1T models, which the petition said caused excessive glare.
Driver complaints back the concern
Public frustration with bright headlights is mounting. A survey the American Automobile Association released in March found that 6 in 10 drivers say glare is a problem after dark, and nearly three-quarters of them believe it has worsened over the past decade.
The decision barely moved Tesla shares. The stock traded at $393.98, down 0.12% on the day.
Source: Reuters
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