85 of the
7,374 complaints filed about the Tesla Model Y
are about the lighting —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
Screen provides alert that "center brake light condition deteceted". Shows up as VCRIGHT_a487 Tesla said "The condition is characteristic of the current firmware with no current fix at this time". Tesla is looking into this concern as it is affecting multiple vehicles at this time
NHTSA complaint #11756780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11756327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The passenger-side (right) headlight assembly suffered an internal mechanical failure and is stuck aimed too high. It cannot be calibrated or lowered to factory specification. This poses a severe safety risk by blinding oncoming traffic at night. The vehicle was inspected by a manufacturer service center on July 13, 2026. The factory technician confirmed in the official service notes that the right-side headlight is 'internally faulty and will not lower the headlight height to specification,' requiring a full assembly replacement. This is the second time this exact OEM component has failed under normal use; the entire assembly was previously replaced for a failure just over two years prior. No external damage, collision, or impact caused this internal mechanism to fail.
NHTSA complaint #11750229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) — control handover protocol. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. WHAT HAPPENED: On June 25, 2026 at approximately 4:17 PM, the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (FSD) navigating into a residential driveway. The driver pressed the gas pedal to take manual control. At the exact moment FSD transferred control, vehicle telemetry confirms the steering wheel was at −299° (nearly 3 full turns of hard left lock). No warning was given. With a ~13:1 steering ratio, approximately 300° of wheel rotation was required before driver input would affect the front wheels — taking 0.4–0.5 seconds during which the front wheels remained pointed left despite the driver turning right. The vehicle struck a tree at approximately 13–15 kph. Secondary failure: FSD re-engaged once during the first override attempt, requiring a second override before full control was obtained, further delaying driver response. Telemetry confirmed: factory crash algorithm (RCM_CRASH_ALGO_WAKEUP_EVENT_ACTIVE), Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control all activated at impact. Post-impact speed registered −1.67 kph (backward bounce), confirming direct collision. SAFETY RISK: FSD handed off control mid-maneuver at extreme steering lock with no warning, creating an unrecoverable situation in a confined residential driveway. PRIOR WARNINGS: None. No warning lamps, messages, or alerts before or during handover. INSPECTION STATUS: Vehicle photographed. Insurance inspection pending. Not yet inspected by Tesla or dealer. Independently confirmed via vehicle telemetry export (85,776 rows, 300 sensor channels).
NHTSA complaint #11746963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11735720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2026 Tesla Model Y front trunk ("frunk"), an Austin, Mar 2026 build, lacks internal lighting & emergency release (unlike 2025 models; the change started Oct 2025). Frunk size/capacity remained unchanged, allowing child up to 4yo to fit & get trapped w/ no escape or signal, esp. in low light. Violates FMVSS 401 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-571/subpart-B/section-571.401) which states: "Each passenger car with a trunk compartment must have an automatic or manual release mechanism inside the trunk compartment that unlatches the trunk lid, if the trunk is large enough so that the three-year-old child dummy described in Subpart C of Part 572 can be placed inside the trunk compartment, and the trunk lid can be closed and latched". Request recall/retrofit & investigate Model Y frunk complaints. (See attached picture of 2025 frunk vs 2026 frunk with changed features.)
NHTSA complaint #11733278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My driver side headlight assembly stopped working. The headlight assembly includes the driving lights, high beams, and turn signals. I am open to having this product inspected upon request. This impacts the safety of me and others due to decreased visibility and the inability to appropriately indicate when I am turning. The dealer has not reviewed this yet, but I have a scheduled appointment on Friday, April 24. Vehicle has not been inspected by any third-party, improving manufacturer, police, insurance, or other representatives. There were no warning, lamps, messages, other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. The failure first appeared at around 55,000 miles, which was 5000 miles beyond my warranty. I believe that Tesla is pushing out updates that intentionally cause light assemblies and other high priced items to stop working after the warranty. there are multiple instances people replacing the same fixture after their warranty period has expired. Tesla charges $2000 to replace one light fixture. I believe this is fraudulent and corrupt business practices by Tesla.
NHTSA complaint #11732040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11720264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tesla decided to remove the safety unlock illuminated button from its front trunk (frunk) sometime in mid 2025. This can be a safety issue which was present in earlier models and against the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 401, mandating an interior release mechanism for enclosed trunks to prevent entrapment. I contacted Tesla and they told me that my vehicle was made after Tesla decided to remove this safety feature.
NHTSA complaint #11718882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11716550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The interior of the front trunk (Frunk) does not have an emergency release button or the hardware to support it. In the event that a child or person is inside the front trunk with the hood closed, that person cannot escape the enclosed area without having an outside person finding a key or tool to open the front trunk. Also, there is no light in the front trunk so it is completely dark when closed. This feature (emergency release button) previously came standard in this make and model prior to October 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11710114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tesla removed the lighted emergency frunk (front trunk) release button and its wiring from this vehicle and other similar newer builds. The elimination of this key safety feature is a clear violation of the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 401 for Interior Trunk Release; requiring all new passenger cars with trunk compartments (rear and front) to have a way for someone trapped inside to escape. There is currently no method to open a latched front trunk cover from inside this new vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11709521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlights turned off while driving. Not being able to see where you're going is risky. The problem has occurred twice under the same conditions - light snow covering on the car. It has not been reproduced at dealer or service center. Components have not been inspected. The headlights operate properly when the snow is removed. No warning, messages or symptoms. Tesla Assist states that if there if driving in snow or low viz conditions, the headlights should be turned on manually, which is not intuitive or appropriate given the advanced nature of the car
NHTSA complaint #11708173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During a snowstorm, the headlights caused blinding visibility issues due to the reflected light from the snow flakes. Normally, using low beams fixes this problem. I tried all combinations of headlights during the drive- auto high, high, auto low, manual low, just parking lights. All resulted in horrible visibility conditions that limited speed to around 20 MPH. The vehicle was inspected by Tesla service. Tesla reported the headlights operate as designed. There is a light bar above the headlight that remains on when driving and this illuminates the snow. This lightbar should turn off at night or at least have an option to turn off by the driver.
NHTSA complaint #11708174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New 2026 Model Ys made after October 2025 no longer have an emergency release/opener for the front trunk. Easily large enough for a child to lay in and be trapped.
NHTSA complaint #11708183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took delivery of this vehicle on [XXX]. Unknown to me Tesla changed the frunk design of my model y premium juniper. It has no light or emergency open button as seen on all juniper models made up until the one I received. My understanding is if a three year old can fit in the trunk/frunk space it must have a light and a way to open it from the inside in an emergency situation. Please recall for a fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11708238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The right rear taillight and turn signal on my Tesla Model Y became dim and intermittently flicker, and the turn signal does not function properly. This issue began immediately after a Tesla software update. The malfunction significantly reduces rear visibility and signaling to other drivers, especially at night, creating a safety risk. I contacted Tesla Service and provided photos/videos. Tesla have scheduled a repair which is 1 week later but declined to confirm whether the vehicle is safe or legal to drive with this lighting malfunction. Tesla also declined to provide a loaner vehicle or alternate transportation and advised me to use my own judgment. Rear lighting and turn signals are safety-critical components required by law. Operating the vehicle in this condition poses a risk of rear-end collision or failure to signal lane changes or turns. I am filing this complaint due to safety concerns and Tesla’s inability to provide written guidance confirming safe operation until repair.
NHTSA complaint #11706079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle’s auto-high beam system does not properly recognize other traffic. It specifically fails to substantially dim the high beams when approaching oncoming vehicles or when behind other traffic on roadways. I have reported this to the manufacturer and attempted to have the dealership fix this on multiple occasions. The dealerships insist that the vehicle dims the required number of pixels in the headlights to not blind other drivers. However, this does not appear to be effective as other drivers that I have followed behind reported that they were being blinded by my highbeams while I was behind them. There is a notable difference between the highbeams and the low beams which the car fails to substantially adjust for when using this required feature to utilize the self driving/auto pilot feature.
NHTSA complaint #11701947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In my 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range, there is no emergency release in the frunk (front trunk). I do believe there is a law that requires this. What if the unthinkable happens and someone gets stuck inside of it? I have seen others post about not having it as well, so it is definitely not limited to a small number of vehicles. I do not even see the harness for the emergency release inside of the panel. This is a huge safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11701889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.