2023 Tesla Model Y Exterior lighting Problems

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 illumination creates a 'veiling glare' that threatens highway safety, particularly during inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog. I request that my vehicle be physically inspected and serviced with compliant hardware components as outlined by federal regulators.

NHTSA ID

11756327

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

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 ID

11735720

Incident

May 4, 2026

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 around the vehicle. Because the electronic door releases didn't work, the doors could not be opened from the outside, had a front window not been open, it would have been easy to trap our child in the car. The dealer confirmed that the failure took place from vehicle logs but was unable to reproduce the problem. The dealer/manufacturer inspected the vehicle. Prior to this happening the vehicle showed warnings that power was reduced and vehicle may not restart about 20 minutes prior to the event, but the warnings disappeared after a minute. Even though Tesla confirmed the failure, they refused to diagnose the problem or fix it so the vehicle remains dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11720264

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

PLAINTIFF: [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] ] Email: [XXX] ] VS. DEFENDANT(S): 1. [XXX] 2. King Bodyshop [XXX] 
Phone: [If known] STATEMENT OF CLAIM (File in Duplicate Plus One For Each Defendant) The Plaintiff sues the Defendant(s) for money owed Plaintiff by Defendant(s); and which is past due and unpaid; for: ☐ Work done and materials furnished by Defendant to Plaintiff (or check “Other” below). ☐ Other (Explain): Breach of contract for incomplete auto body repairs. Additional facts: Plaintiff. On or about December 12, 2024 you dropped off the vehicle, Year 2023 Model Y performance VIN [XXX] to Defendant King Bodyshop (operated/owned by [XXX] ) for body repairs pursuant to an agreement/estimate. Plaintiff paid $24.500 amount paid] for the repairs. Defendant agreed to complete the repairs properly but not only failed to do so, but charged over $9000 to fix the problem and damages, still leaving the vehicle with unresolved safety restraint system issues, including active alerts: • RCM2_a203: Safety restraint system issue – Service is required • RCM2_a095: Front left safety restraint system issue – Service is required Despite repeated requests over several months (October 2025] to present), Defendant has not completed the repairs, fixed the faults, or refunded the payment. This constitutes a breach of contract and/or negligent/incomplete workmanship under Florida law (including the Motor Vehicle Repair Act). As a result, Plaintiff has incurred damages including: • Eon paid $24500 amount and [XXX] paid additional $9000 to shop] (refund demanded) • $Tesla estimate to fix the current problems is another 2900 cost from other shop quotes to complete/fix] (additional repair costs) • $[any rental INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11716550

Incident

Feb 12, 2024

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 was an internal fault in the compressor which they can’t be clear so have to replace a compressor, exv valve, pressure temperature sensors and coolant. Vehicle was parked when I tried to turn the heat on in the morning it would just blow cool air. No warning before the failure. Once the compressor faulted it would give a warning “vcfront_a447” cabin climate control system requires service. And just blow cold air everytime the vehicle is started. If turning on heat from the phone app or inside the cabin it would blows cold air for about 10 mins then it will show the warning lamp.

NHTSA ID

11699265

Incident

Oct 31, 2025

Las luces son demaciado fuertes y el aire conducionsdonen Florida no funciona

NHTSA ID

11678960

Incident

Aug 7, 2025

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 ID

11631982

Incident

Dec 28, 2023

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 one behind us. While it was an oversight on my passenger’s part, I can’t help but wonder: shouldn’t there be a warning or a disabled button while driving, especially in the dark? I’m not sure if this qualifies as a safety issue, but it certainly felt life-threatening at the moment. Had there been another vehicle behind us or if we had hit a divider, the situation could have been much worse. Suggestion for Improvement: To enhance safety, I suggest implementing a feature that disables the off button in light controls while the vehicle is in motion, especially in low-visibility conditions. Additionally, a clear warning message could pop up if a driver attempts to adjust the lighting settings while driving, ensuring that safety remains the top priority.

NHTSA ID

11624061

Incident

Nov 6, 2024

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 ID

11600637

Incident

Jul 5, 2024

Turn signals fail to activate with short duration press of turn signal stick.

NHTSA ID

11583582

Incident

Dec 19, 2023

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 ID

11572565

Incident

Feb 17, 2024

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 heavy rains. After a few hours in the sunlight the moisture will dissipate." Tesla has refused to replace it and I find this a safty consern and do not know where to get help.

NHTSA ID

11572333

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

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 Recall Number 24V-035; TC2024-027 (the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner, I want to file an online complaint with NHTSA)

NHTSA ID

11569570

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11564062

Incident

Dec 28, 2023

The backup camera failed to display any image, even with a vehicle restart by pushing the 2 buttons on the steering wheel to force a vehicle restart. I cannot see the back of the vehicle without the camera as the rearview window is so up high that it creates blind spots that I cannot see to safely get in or out of a parking spot and this creates a huge safety risk. Warnings that displayed was emergency braking unavailable and park assist unavailable. Also, the headlights on this vehicle is too bright that other drivers are flashing their high beam at me believing that I had the high beam on when I only have the low beam on. This creates a safety risk as the lights blind other drivers on the road and the same make and model of the vehicle can also create visibility problems when traveling in the opposite direction as it can also blind me. Those matrix headlight that can dim certain areas and not blind other drivers should be standard and enabled by default on all vehicles, including this one.

NHTSA ID

11561722

Incident

Dec 24, 2023

My driver side tail light has water leaking into it, I reached out to Tesla to have it repaired. Tesla informed me that the amount of water in my taillight is considered acceptable, and that they will not swap it out.

NHTSA ID

11561656

Incident

Oct 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights inadvertently turned off. No warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle, and the headlights inadvertently turned on. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,370.

NHTSA ID

11558944

Incident

Dec 6, 2023

Mileage

16,730 mi

Right headlight and turn signal stopped working within approximately 110 miles on the odometer. Tesla did not make it a priority to fix the light and turn signal which poses a safety hazard to the driver and other vehicles on the road.

NHTSA ID

11548331

Incident

Sep 22, 2023

I purchased a [Car Make, Model, Year] on [Date of Purchase] with the understanding that the vehicle was in excellent condition and safe for all passengers. Unfortunately, my experience has been far from satisfactory, as I have discovered multiple issues that were not disclosed to me during the purchase process. First and foremost, the car was misrepresented regarding its safety features and its suitability for passengers riding in the back. Since my purchase, I have noticed significant safety concerns for individuals seated in the back of the vehicle. The lack of proper safety restraints, along with inadequate seat belt functionality, poses a serious risk to the well-being of those riding in the rear seats. I find it deeply troubling that these critical safety aspects were not made known to me prior to the purchase. Moreover, my discontent is further compounded by the fact that, merely two months after my purchase, I discovered that the prices for the same make and model of the car were drastically reduced. This revelation indicates that I paid an inflated price for the vehicle, which is both unfair and unjustifiable. I believe it is only reasonable that I be compensated for this disparity, as it implies a breach of trust and fair business practices. Considering the circumstances described above, I kindly request the following actions to be taken: 1.Conduct a thorough inspection and rectification of the safety issues pertaining to the vehicle, specifically addressing the concerns related to passengers in the back seats. 2.Provide me with compensation for the price discrepancy, reflecting the difference between the price I paid and the drastically reduced prices that were implemented soon after my purchase. 3.Offer an apology for the misrepresentation and lack of disclosure during the sale, which has caused me significant inconvenience and distress. I believe that resolving this matter in an amicable manner is in the best interest of both parties involved.

NHTSA ID

11526781

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

Water intrusion rear tail lights. According to Tesla service it is within Tesla specs.

NHTSA ID

11514620

Incident

Mar 25, 2023

3 days after purchase, headlights would not work, car towed to service center, both front headlight assemblies were replaced. 3 weeks after purchase, fault detected on passenger restraint, service center states passenger seat needs to be replaced to make airbag operational. I live 90 miles from service center, making these repairs quite difficult

NHTSA ID

11510973

Incident

Feb 8, 2023