The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has denied Tesla’s petition to avoid notification and remedy requirements for a headlamp noncompliance affecting approximately 19,917 vehicles. The decision covers model-year 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 and model-year 2020–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2017, through December 24, 2023. NHTSA’s notice says Tesla must now provide owners with notification and a free remedy under federal law.

Why NHTSA rejected Tesla’s argument

The issue involves the integral-beam headlamps’ low-beam output under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. In the relevant test zone, the maximum permitted intensity is 125 candela. Tesla reported that affected lamps could measure as high as 230.1 candela—105.1 candela above the limit.

Tesla argued that the extra light was projected outside the natural line of sight of drivers and other road users. It also submitted adaptive-driving-beam protocol testing and said it was not aware of related crashes or injuries. NHTSA was not persuaded. The agency said the limit is intended to reduce both glare and veiling glare, including light scatter that can reduce contrast in rain, snow or fog. It also found Tesla’s additional testing too narrow because it examined one scenario in clear, dry conditions rather than adverse weather.

The agency further noted that the absence of earlier complaints or injuries does not prove a noncompliance is inconsequential. Two public comments were received during the petition process, including one reporting glare. NHTSA concluded Tesla had not met its burden and formally denied the petition.

What affected Model 3 and Model Y owners should do

The public-inspection notice is a regulatory decision, not a substitute for the owner notification that will identify eligible vehicles and explain the repair process. The remedy must be free. Owners should rely on Tesla and NHTSA for timing, scope and instructions rather than assuming every vehicle in the listed model years is affected.

Three practical EVBase accessories for weather-ready ownership

No EVBase accessory can correct this regulated headlamp noncompliance, and none of the products below should be installed on the headlights. These are separate, non-remedial products for keeping an affected-generation Model 3 or Model Y cleaner and easier to use in wet or messy conditions while owners wait for official instructions.

Tesla Model 3/Y 3D TPE All-Weather Floor Mats are the strongest match for rainy and snowy North American driving. EVBase lists variants for Model 3 2019–October 2023 and Model Y 2019–February 2025. The molded TPE design is waterproof and intended to contain mud, water and road salt. Confirm the model and left-hand-drive option before ordering.

Tesla Model 3/Y OEM-Style No-Drill Mud Flaps fit Model 3 2017–2023 and Model Y 2021 and later through the selectable variants shown on the live page. The flexible splash guards use factory mounting points and help reduce mud, gravel and road spray reaching the lower body. Model Y owners with a 2020 vehicle should choose another verified fitment rather than assuming compatibility.

EVBase Tempered-Glass Screen Protector for Model 3/Y is listed as compatible with Model 3 2017–2023 and Model Y 2020–February 2025. Matte and HD options protect the center display from fingerprints and scratches; the matte finish is intended to reduce screen reflections. This concerns the touchscreen only and has no connection to exterior headlamp glare or the federal remedy.

The owner takeaway

NHTSA’s denial changes this case from a petition dispute into an owner-notification and remedy obligation. The safest next step is simple: verify the VIN, wait for official instructions and do not improvise a lighting fix. Weather-protection accessories can make ordinary ownership more convenient, but the headlamp correction belongs exclusively in Tesla’s federally required remedy process.

Related EVBase links

· Browse 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 accessories

· Browse 2020–2025.02 Tesla Model Y accessories

· Browse EVBase floor mats

· Read more Tesla and EV news from EVBase

Sources

· Federal Register public-inspection notice 2026-14506

· Federal Register permanent document page

· NHTSA vehicle recall lookup

· Regulations.gov docket NHTSA-2024-0019