Exterior Lighting Problems of Tesla Model Y - part 1

Tesla Model Y owners have reported 56 problems related to exterior lighting (under the exterior lighting category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Tesla Model Y based on all problems reported for the Model Y.

1 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 09/02/2025

Tesla vehicles include an “ambient light” feature called sync with music. When enabled, the cabin lights pulsate, flash, and change intensity in rhythm with the audio being played. While marketed as a visual enhancement, this mode is extremely distracting when the vehicle is in motion. The constantly strobing and pulsating lights inside the cabin draw the driver’s attention away from the road, especially during night driving when the effect is brightest. Details of the issue: •the light pulses are highly dynamic and mimic stage lighting or flashing effects, which compete for the driver’s visual attention. •the distraction is more severe in low-light or nighttime driving conditions, where the contrast between the pulsating interior lights and the dark environment is stark. •the rapid changes in brightness and color can momentarily impair night vision when the driver looks back toward the windshield. •there does not appear to be a safety lockout that prevents the mode from operating while the car is in motion. Safety concern: this feature increases visual distraction for the driver and may impair safe operation of the motor vehicle. The flashing lights could also pose a potential risk for individuals sensitive to strobe effects or conditions like photosensitive epilepsy. Allowing this mode to run while driving is a safety hazard. Request: NHTSA should investigate whether Tesla’s sync with music ambient light feature complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards related to driver distraction and interior illumination, and whether restrictions should be placed on its use when the vehicle is not in “park. ”.

2 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 08/07/2025

Las luces son demaciado fuertes y el aire conducionsdonen florida no funciona.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

3 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/05/2025

The rear light bar is extremely unsafe, it is especially undercarriage lighting which is illegal to have on while the vehicle is in motion. Not visible enough during inclement weather conditions, and can cause glare issues for other drivers while the roads are wet, due to its downward shining. The light can easily be obscured by hauling things such as bike racks. People are wrapping the plastic panel u deer the light which can alter performance. The light does not illuminate the full width of the car giving drivers behind a false sense of the car’s width. This has to be the most unsafe light on any car on the market.

4 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/03/2025

This is a proactive step to report that the headlights on Model Y juniper 2026 are not projecting seamlessly onto the road. The low beam shows patchy lights and also has a blocked-out grey patch on the right-hand side of the car. This patch is not due to any wreckage of the headlights. The high beam is also not precise and feels as if it is a column of light, which is not very clear to drive in. I took my car to Tesla's dealership, and according to them, that is how the lights project, even on their demo car. I think the headlights should project a clear light onto the road, and these are not. This could cause an accident due to a lack of clarity.

5 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/21/2025

Low beams are too bright and aimed too high, constantly blinding other drivers. Automatic high beams are always turning on and will not automatically turn off when another vehicle is detected.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

6 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2025 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/15/2025

While vehicle was driving on fsd at approximately 75 mph on freeway, the vehicle in front of me kicked up a small piece of tire trend. The piece of tire hit the headlight and shattered the glass on the headlight assembly, while not damaging any other part of the car. I have owned quiet a few cars from all makes including another Tesla however it seems this cannot be normal for the headlight assembly to shatter with such a small piece of rubber. I have tried to reach out to Tesla but they of course refuse any possibility of defect with Model Y headlight assembly so I wanted to submit this incident in hope that if enough people have experienced similar incident with their headlight assembly it would be recalled.

7 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 01/16/2025

I believe that all Tesla have an issue where the brake lights do not turn on soon enough when the vehicle is slowing down especially at slower speeds and I feel this makes them get in a lot of rear end accidents at lower speeds. I've seen many videos online of people getting hit and the car in front of them is braking and the Tesla slows down with no brake lights then the vehicle behind them hits them.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

8 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 12/16/2024

I was told by Tesla that a computer system update installed by Tesla burned out the ap4 computer on the car. This affects all cameras, navigation, automatic lights and much more.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

9 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 11/29/2024

Components failing - reported as central computer. This made the vehicle turn signals and backup cameras fail as critical components. These two elements were/are completely non-functional. Additional less critical safety functions that have been disabled include blind spot monitoring and cameras, both forward and reverse emergency braking, and pedestrian alerts. My safety was put at-risk due to camera failures while driving and backing out of parking spaces. These vehicles are designed with poor and minimal visibility due to their cameras compensating for visibility shortcomings. You cannot adequately see proximity to other vehicles or pedestrians when cameras are not active. This particular impacts reversing when backing in and out of parking spots since the rear windshield is so small and poorly angled. Drivers have reported that the cameras for them are failing mid-drive leading them to not know where other vehicles were next to them and making unsafe lane changes thinking their warning systems were active. The vehicle component has not been inspected by anyone as there was thankfully no actually accident or incident due to the failure. Tesla has not inspected the vehicle due to no availability for 3+ weeks and they will not consider human contact to expedite review. There are now 100s of community reports of the same defect on online communities all showing failures on same-day or within 24 hours of each other. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The symptoms simply stopped working. It required a phone call to Tesla support to even receive an accurate error code. Tesla is claiming a "short" in the main computer system of the vehicle. This occurred for myself and dozens of others all within several hours of each other in the early morning hours of Friday November 29th 2024. Suspicion is that that this was due to a software update from Tesla.

10 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 11/18/2024

Auto high beams: they come far too soon or don't dim when when following other vehicles, they do not dim soon enough when meeting cars over rolling hills. They do not dim for oncoming vehicles on a slight bend in the road or on intersecting streets. They also do not dim when in town on lit streets. I've tried to turn them off and manually operate the lights. You are unable to disable the auto high beams for more than a brief period when fsd is available (enabled or disabled). Any action (turning on legacy cruise control, auto-steer beta, fsd, disengaging and reengaging fsd, shifting the car out of part, etc) turns the auto high beams on regardless of whether or not I disabled them previously.

11 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 11/06/2024

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.

12 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 11/05/2024

All safety features and cameras on this vehicle are currently disabled. Specifically, the following functions are not operational: forward and parking collision warnings, blind spot warning, lane departure and lane-keeping warnings, rear cross-traffic warning, self-driving capability, adaptive cruise control, navigation system, location tracking, sentry mode, premium connectivity features, reverse camera, front and side cameras. Additionally: the headlights remain on continuously during daylight hours. The interior control panel screen and the side and rear mirror displays are stuck in night mode.

13 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 09/15/2024

I purchased a 2024 Tesla Model Y and received delivery of my Tesla vehicle on [xxx], at 4 pm est. Upon receiving the vehicle, I noticed manufacturing defects on the tail lights, which I reported to Tesla support immediately and scheduled an appointment on September 29. Unfortunately, no appointments were available at that time, and my service date was postponed to October 28, 2024. On [xxx], while traveling at low speeds, the rear passenger tire of my vehicle unexpectedly exploded. They are the factory-installed continental tires 255/45/19. The car had to be towed to Tesla in coral gables, where they installed a temporary tire and quoted me $517. 35 for replacement—despite the vehicle being less than a month old. Since delivery, I’ve also observed that my tail lights have accumulated water, indicating a potential safety hazard and manufacturing defect. I have contacted Tesla support on multiple occasions, but they have not provided clear guidance on whether a loaner vehicle will be provided while these issues are addressed. The lack of timely and effective support for these escalating defects has been extremely frustrating and concerning. Primary concerns: safety hazards related to the tire explosion and water accumulation in the tail lights. Delays in service appointment scheduling. Lack of clarity and support from Tesla regarding service procedures, such as whether a loaner vehicle will be provided. Given these issues, I am requesting assistance from the NHTSA in addressing the quality and safety of this vehicle, as these defects and delays are affecting my ability to operate it safely and reliably. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

14 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 07/25/2024

Here is what happened. I was traveling on a narrow winding two-lane road at night when, desiring to see the information on the current drive, I reached down to the lower left corner of the touchscreen to change the small sub-panel located there. It was on the music panel so I swiped to the left to change to the trip information panel. As soon as I swiped to the left my lights went out and I'm driving in total darkness! in complete fear of running off the road I managed to stop and switch on the 4-way flashers. Someone that had been following me went on around about the time I got the flashes on. Fortunately, I had stopped still on the road and pretty much on my side. (it could have been much worse!) quite scared and flustered I managed to get the lights switched back on. I don't remember, but I must have used the normal lighting control buttons on the main touchscreen panel. For a while I had no idea how it happened but eventually figured it out. Whenever you change your lights with the turn-signal stalk (go to dim, to bright or flash them) a small sub-panel pops up in the lower left corner of the touchscreen with all the light control buttons. It stays for about 4 seconds and goes away automatically. So, if you reach down to start or pause the music a few seconds after dimming you lights, your headlights go off - the off button falls where the play/pause button was located a few seconds before. But its much worse than that. You can also simply swipe to the left (what I had done) and the row of lighting buttons act like a slider! the lights can go from auto to off without warning, no confirmation needed! answers to the five questions follow. - this problem certainly appears to be a design flaw in the touchscreen user interface so can be reproduced and inspected. - we could have crashed or been hit by other vehicles resulting in injury or death. - no - no - no warning whatsoever. Please don't write this off as "operator error". That would be irresponsible.

15 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 07/05/2024

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.

16 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/09/2024

Turn signals turn off prematurely. Disengaging the cruise control or entering a turn lane after the turn signal is activated appear to turn off the turn signal before reaching the intersection or turn. This occurs whether I use the half or full press on the turn signal stalk. To be honest I'm not sure the difference between the half and full press, since they appear to function the same. This is dangerous for 2 reasons. 1. ) vehicles waiting at the intersection may believe I have changed my mind on turn and take actions on the belief that I am not going to turn. 2. ) it creates a distraction as I need to react and take further action to re-activate the turn signal rather than focusing on traffic and the turn.

17 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 04/25/2024

We americans need you to stop auto manufacturers from using blinding headlights on their cars. This will cause accidents and you will be liable for allowing this to begin with.

18 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

The low beam left headlight (matrix led) has had a dark spot in the drivers view since the vehicle was purchased in new in March 2024. This dark spot limits visibility at night and I feel is a serious safety issue. It has almost caused me to hit a pedestrian on more than one occasion. I raised this issue with Tesla service immediately after taking delivery of the vehicle. It's still not fixed. I've had (4) completed service appointments and they have failed to fix it. Their last response was "this is how the matrix led lights function. " if so, it should definitely be recalled. I did tell them I'm filing this report and they told me they would try to replace the left headlight. Sadly that's what it takes for a replacement. I've shared videos, pictures and had the service writer at Tesla confirm the dark spot is large enough to be concerning. A person walking or on a bike can easily fit into the size of the dark spot. There are pictures on the internet from others complaining about this issue as well. Just did a google search and saw multiple postings for this exact issue. My guess is they have a bad batch of headlights or design flaw and they are in denial it's a major enough issue to simply replace them with good ones. I'm hoping others reported this issue.

19 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

The headlamp design of the 2024 Tesla Model Y creates a shadow (or shadows) that cannot be adjusted away. These shadows could be a contributing factor if an accident were to occur. Tesla service has stated there is nothing more they can do regarding adjustment. Initially, there were two shadows. The user-friendly headlamp adjustment on the touchscreen allows only up-down adjustment after the system self-calibrates. Tesla service manually adjusted the physical headlamps but did not resolve the shadows. This adjustment merely relocated the shadows while creating an additional horizontal shadow. I believe the reflector design of the headlamp is the issue. This is my third Tesla, and prior models did not have this issue. It is best to see video examples, but this form does not allow the file type and I suspect youtube links would be blocked/removed. Please advise.

20 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 02/23/2024

I often experience significant lag for rearview camera and the turn signal indicator lights. Sometimes it takes up to 10 seconds for the rearview camera view to come up. It's dangerous because it's hard to tell if the car is in reverse or not. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to change gear. I have similar experience with the turn signal indicators. It takes multiple attempts for the signals to come up, or there is often significant delay on when I turn on the signal and when the lights actually come on.

21 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 02/17/2024

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.

22 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 02/09/2024

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.

23 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 02/02/2024

Tail light assemblies on vehicle develop moisture inside of them when it rains. Tesla claims that this is normal and refuses to service the part. The concern is that the electronics inside the light assembly will be damaged by the moisture. This places the burden on the consumer to frequently test and inspect the tail light for an impending failure of the light which may inadvertently occur during driving and result in an accident. In certain instances the amount of moisture that may develop unbeknown to the driver while operating the vehicle, may decrease the light transmission through the light assembly, rendering the function of the tail light to fall out of NHTSA mandated standards for light transmission for the fixture.

24 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 01/26/2024

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).

25 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 01/20/2024

The purpose of this missive is to complain about how blindingly bright the Tesla Model Y's headlights shine into the eyes of on-coming traffic and pedestrian. The model 3's headlights are marginally less blinding (probably only because they are a few inches lower than the Model Y's) and there seems to be no similar problem with the model s and model x headlights. I have no issue with bright headlights in general, but they should not be focused into the eyes of on-coming traffic and innocent pedestrian. To be clear, I do not own this Model Y represented by this VIN. Thanks! tim.

26 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 01/17/2024

1. Under certain circumstances, the vehicle is able to decelerate using its regenerative braking system without illuminating the brake lights. This occurs during "one pedal driving" where the operator is driving only using the throttle to both accelerate and decelerate the car, without the input of mechanical brakes. This is a programming issue, not a mechanical issue. The brake lights are "triggered" when the car decelerates at a threshold of -0. 1g or greater. At anything less than -0. 1g, the lights will not turn on. This drastically increases the risk of a rear-end collision. 2. Under the right conditions the operator could decelerate from a speed of 45 mph to 5 mph without the brake lights ever coming on, not until they reach a near-complete-stop. This poses a high risk to all drivers that are behind the vehicle, and fails to give warning to other drivers. It should never be possible for this to occur. 3. This problem has been in discussion on Tesla owner's forums; specifically "Tesla motors club". (see attached posts) Tesla has the highest accident rate, and no one has yet figured out why. A typical internal combustion vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission coast-down decelerates at an average rate of -0. 02g. The Tesla's regen brake light turn-on threshold of -0. 1g is 5x more than the deceleration of a typical coasting ice car (-0. 02g) . For slow-downs between -0. 02g and -0. 1g, where the Tesla's deceleration exceeds an ice car by up to 5x, there is no warning to other drivers, as the brake lights will not turn on. Any braking force above -0. 02g of deceleration exceeds that of an ice car, and should be made-known via the brake-lights. I hope that this is not overlooked; it is extremely important for this to be addressed to reduce rear-end collisions involving ev's. 99%+ of vehicles in the USA are ice, and do not coast-down at a rate of -0. 1g. The brake lights must indicate this above-normal reduction in speed.

27 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 12/28/2023

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.

28 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 12/28/2023

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

29 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 12/24/2023

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.

30 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 12/19/2023

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

31 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 10/23/2023

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.

32 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 09/22/2023

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.

33 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 08/13/2023

Passenger side lights flashes and flickers on / off after firmware update. This has been confirmed by Tesla service as a “known issue” of the most recent software update 2023. 26. 7. I have a video of this flickering. There was no warning prior to the failure. This has been reported to Tesla. Representative said they won’t come out to service the vehicle because “there is nothing for them to fix (physically)” as it is a “firmware issue” and will be fixed with an update. However the fix is currently not available and Tesla is still working it. This renders the car undriveable at night. The flickering lights incite road rage from others who don’t understand the flashing is unintentional and not a sign of annoyance. As a result, we were subjected to road rage from other cars when the light on the car suddenly starts flashing.

34 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 07/10/2023

Our high voltage battery died on the side of a highway, stranding us until a tow arrived at 4am. During this time, the onboard hazard lights were activated, and no other vehicle systems besides the standard interior features were active. The low voltage battery died within 35 minutes of the high voltage battery. After the low voltage battery died, we were left on the side of the highway at 4am with no active hazard lights, the emergency vehicle door openers were required to be used, however, the windows were rendered unusable, so the doors could not be effectively shut without risking damage to the windows. Having zero hazard or external lighting emitting from the vehicle after just 35 minutes at 4am on a dark stretch of highway put us in an extremely dangerous situation, and in our opinion, the hazards should have functioned for at least 2-3 hours. The vehicle has since been repurchased from the manufacturer as a lemon due to other unrelated issues.

35 Exterior Lighting problem of the 2020 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/20/2023

While driving with auto pilot the car turns off the high beams whenever it sees too many reflectors. Such as on power poles of guard rails. The problem is twice this week I seen deer crossing the road ahead of me and the car turned off the high beaks. Then for a couple seconds I couldn't turn on the high beams manually. When I asked Tesla to look at this problem I was told they are in development. I own this car for three years and I think nothing is being done.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model Y 🔎.


Other Common Exterior Lighting related problems of Tesla Model Y

Problem Category Number of Problems
Exterior Lighting problems
56
Headlights problems
2
Brake Light problems
1
Back Up Light Switch problems
1
Turn Signal problems
1

Model Y Service Bulletins
Model Y Defect Investigations