At the shop, Tesla lighting issues have a recognizable signature. 101 documented complaints across 12 year-model entries from 2013 to 2024 is consistent with what we see come in. 2024 Tesla Model 3 tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 4 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin TESLA / LIGHTING
12 model-year entries · 2013–2024
Tesla lighting problems
101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Tesla vehicles for lighting issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
101
Recalls
2
Year-models
12
Avg fix
$250
4crashes
1injury
Worst-affected Tesla model-years for lighting Top 12 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2024 Tesla Model 3
18 complaints · ~$250 severe
2018 Tesla Model 3
13 complaints · ~$250 severe
2020 Tesla Model 3
11 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
10 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 severe
2020 Tesla Model Y
9 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2014 Tesla Model S
9 complaints · ~$250 severe
2022 Tesla Model 3
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2021 Tesla Model 3
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 Tesla Model 3
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Tesla Model S
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2022 Tesla Model S
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2021 Tesla Model S
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Tesla lighting 5 on file
Tesla, Inc
Trailer brake lights that fail to illuminate during braking increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and has released the firmware update over-the-air (OTA) to vehicles as of September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-00-002.
Tesla, Inc
A detached light bar may fall, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect the light bar and install an additional mechanical attachment or replace the light bar using tape to adhere the light bar to the windshield as well as an additional mechanical attachment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 9, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-90-001.
Tesla, Inc
A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
Tesla, Inc
Parking lights that are too bright can reduce visibility of oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-008.
Tesla, Inc
Flickering headlights or parking lights may not suffciently illuminate the roadway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. All vehicles were updated by September 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-017.
Common questions
How many Tesla lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
101 complaints across 12 model-year entries from 2013 to 2024. 2 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Tesla lineup.
Which Tesla model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 leads with 18 complaints in this category. Next: 2018 Model 3 (13) and 2020 Model 3 (11).
What does it cost to fix Tesla lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the Tesla lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Tesla lighting recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Tesla vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Tesla.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.