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Exterior lightingPart report

2021 Tesla Model 3 Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
1%of 674 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 Tesla Model 3, 1% of the 674 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The Tesla uses “auto high beam” when in autopilot. The pros of this can allow drivers to utilize the light so the cameras can detect anything to avoid any possible wrecks, but it does not have an option to be turned off. Along with other people online, my brights have flashed at people on the interstate and highways or haven’t turned off at all. This is irritating and limits the way I am comfortable with using autopilot. Please inform Tesla to make the auto high beam feature OPTIONAL.”

NHTSA complaint #11492989, filed 2022-11

“The model 3 no longer turns on the headlights automatically when the windshield wipers are on. It requires the operator to search through menus to turn the lights on manually. This is required even if the headlights are in automatic mode. Voice Command doesn't turn the headlights on either. I believe it is dangerous to be diverting eyes to a menu screen to turn the headlights on while driving in the rain. In addition, failure to turn on the headlights in my state is a moving violation.”

NHTSA complaint #11457828, filed 2022-03

“Periodically one headlight starts flashing and my front turn signal won’t work. This typically happens in the middle of driving so I’m at risk of getting home safely.”

NHTSA complaint #11434355, filed 2021-09

“The passenger side headlight has stopped functioning on repeated occasions, both the high and low beams stop functioning simultaneously each time. I have been on long distance road trips now each time that this has occurred. Tesla service techs insist that it's software related in both instances and provide a software update. This alleviates the problem temporarily. I am currently insisting that they replace the unit completely, as these are not standard headlights that a consumer is able to purchase and replace at a parts retailer or any auto service center. …”

NHTSA complaint #11457968, filed 2022-03

“Car brakes while using adaptive speed control. In one incident the car was traveling at 71 miles per hour and braked to 25 mph. In other situations the car braked by at least 5 mph, on some situations this happened while speed control was engaged and I was traveling at 50 mph or less. In all these situations, there was not another vehicle in front of me that posed an immediate threat of collision. The adaptive self dimming headlights do not work properly while driving at night. Lights do not always dim for approaching vehicles or when approaching another vehicle from behind. …”

NHTSA complaint #11471714, filed 2022-06

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202576%
20242712%
202310%
202271%
202181%
2020143%
201961%
2018162%

Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model 3

Forward collision avoidance
411 complaints
Brakes
126 complaints
Vehicle speed control
123 complaints
Other or unknown
96 complaints
Electrical system
80 complaints
Lane departure
34 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaints
Steering
28 complaints
Body and structure
17 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
17 complaints
Suspension
16 complaints
Seat belts
15 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology