US agency denies Tesla petition to avoid recall fix over headlight issue

U.S. safety regulators denied Tesla’s petition to avoid a recall fix for about 19,900 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from model years 2017-2023 over headlights that may exceed maximum lighting levels. NHTSA said the condition could create glare for nearby drivers and for Tesla drivers themselves, especially in rain, snow, or fog, so Tesla must proceed with the recall remedy. The decision is a mild negative for Tesla because it reinforces regulatory scrutiny around vehicle safety compliance, though the article notes Tesla said it knows of no complaints, crashes, or injuries linked to the issue. The ruling also recalls a similar earlier case in which NHTSA rejected GM’s petition over a lighting defect, underscoring a broader enforcement stance on automotive lighting standards.