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Exterior lightingPart report

2020 Tesla Model Y Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
3%of 283 total for the year
Median mileage
5,900miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 Tesla Model Y, 3% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,900 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are 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.

“Break light builds up condensation and obscures the lights from being seen. I reached out to Tesla to have the part replaced under warranty. They claim that condensation to that level is normal. I think it's a safety risk.”

NHTSA complaint #11404905, filed 2021-03, 5,900 miles

“tail lights on both sides constantly fill with condensation blocking the visibility to drivers behind me. I have reported the problem to Tesla but they keep saying it's within specs. the manufacture is only looking at pictures to make the judgment and not actually allowing me to come in to correct the problem. I have two model Y's and they are having the same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11421064, filed 2021-06

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11528118, filed 2023-06

“This occurs driving on Highway 50 between Placerville, CA and Meyers, CA a predominantly 2 lane winding mountain highway bounded by many cliffs and rocks. The only way to properly engage the high beam lights is to activate the automatic high beam system. The lights inappropriately switch to low beams leaving me on a curvy road with insufficient light to see the curves. In some cases I need to hold the high beam flash control which does not allow me to keep both hands on the steering while while navigating that road. …”

NHTSA complaint #11498456, filed 2022-12

“A recent software change removed the automatic activation of headlights with wipers. Headlights on with wipers is the law in most states and a common sense practice. However, with the removal of the automatic activation, you are forced to tap into several sub menus on the touchscreen in order to manually activate the head lights, all while driving in less than ideal conditions.”

NHTSA complaint #11476490, filed 2022-07

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026215%
202511%
2024134%
2023222%
2022162%
202191%
202093%

Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model Y

Forward collision avoidance
108 complaints
Other or unknown
58 complaints
Brakes
37 complaints
Vehicle speed control
37 complaints
Lane departure
32 complaints
Suspension
31 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Steering
26 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaints
Air bags
17 complaints
Body and structure
14 complaints
Seat belts
12 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Tesla Model Y

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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