Tesla Model X headlights problems

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Lights · MA

After the latest software update, the icons to show your headlights are on and high beams are active are now blocked in the top left corner of the dash. There's no seating position possible that the steering wheel doesn't block this critical information.

Filed Nov 2, 2025 · Driver assistance · FL · crash

My Tesla Model X was in Autopilot mode (v13.2.9) at the time of the incident. The vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance system was actively controlling steering and speed, while I remained attentive with my hands on the wheel I was closely monitoring the car’s operation but was not manually steering, braking, or accelerating during Autopilot engagement The vehicle collided with stationary flexible delineator posts. The impact occurred at 55MPH. The flexible delineator posts were the only object struck. No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and no persons were injured.No passengers or bystanders affected. The collision with the flexible delineator posts caused damage to my vehicle’s front bumper area and cracked right headlight. There was no damage to any property besides my own vehicle. The incident was captured on the Tesla’s built-in camera system (dashcam). I have saved the video footage, which clearly shows the car’s approach and the impact with the flexible delineator posts. This video is available and can be provided for review.

Filed Sep 1, 2023 · Steering · VA

I'd like to report a safety concern. There are two issues. 1. the shape of the steering wheel, and 2. the location of the buttons and overall stalkless yoke. I have had this vehicle for a little over a year now, and there have been a number of times both issues could have caused a major accident. The first issue is the shape of the steering wheel. When driving normally, just every day driving, its not so much of an issue. But when you have to make quick, multiple emergency manuvers, the shape of the yoke (the fact that its not round'ish) is problematic. The yoke shape doesn't allow for quick maneuvers that you'd expect in emergency scenarios. The second issue has to do with the location of the high beams and the horn specifically, but could see other buttons being problematic for people with smaller hands than I have. I have attached several pictures with and without my own hands (for reference, I'm 6' tall with a medium build and proportional hand size.) As you can see, my thumbs aren't able to reach the high beam and horn buttons without moving my hands. Additionally, they aren't actually buttons and no way to know if my finger/thumb is in the correct place without looking at the yoke/wheel. This is problematic, because drivers would need to use those buttons quickly. Also, the high beam button isn't really user friendly. When trying to switch to high beams, you have to hold the button for a period of time, and it doesn't always work. Both of these issues are problematic and I recommend a review, as I'm seeing not only tesla with this steering wheel/yoke design, but have seen Lexus with the yoke design too. I work in the DC area and willing to bring my Tesla Model X to show your team so you can evalute the issue first hand. Thanks for your consideration

Filed Aug 20, 2023 · Lights, Visibility · CA

Touch capacitive buttons on the steering wheel and doors are major safety hazard. The touch buttons on the steering wheel for critical functions like blinkers, headlights, wipers and the horn are all moving with the steering wheel (so you have to look down to locate these critical functions while still moving, especially if you are turning at all), and worse, these buttons sometimes fail to activate even when you do push them. I have several times tried to turn on my blinker for a sudden lane change due to a hazard ahead, and the blinker does not respond / activate. My wife was driving and someone started to run a stop sign in front of us - I yelled "HIT THE HORN!" and she replied with "I CAN'T FIND IT!!!" (we were driving on a bend in the road, the steering wheel was not in the neutral position, and the horn is a tiny touch capacitive button). The button on the driver door to get out is the same or very similar, and I have a 30 second video I can forward you of how this button can fail to respond. In the video, you can see the tip of my finger bend when I first touch the button, I move my finger all over and around the button, and nearly 15 seconds later, the button finally responds and opens the door. The driver door also pops out about 10 degrees when it does open, then becomes very stiff and you have to push hard to get the door to open the rest of the way. The button for the headlights is also a safety issue - if you push and hold the headlight button for too long, it locks the high beams on, instead of just flashing them (or a long duration flash). When you push the headlight button, a menu pops up on the bottom center portion of the center screen, that will allow you to toggle automatic high beams on and off, but when moving, it is only there for 2-3 seconds, and the buttons are extremely small, making it hard to change settings for the headlights safely (must look away from the road, and try to hit the small buttons while moving / bouncing around).

Filed Jun 6, 2023 · Lights · CA

The headlight high beams do not properly light upward and the service center refuses to replace the headlight. They also had another new car the same way. Both defective which is a manufacturing problem and safety risk.

Filed May 25, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · CO

MCU1 onboard computer system becomes overloaded with data that eventually and periodically causes the computer system to "crash" and requires a reboot, even with 8 GB eMMC replacement having already been installed. This means that vehicles with MCU1 (generally model S and X manufactured pre-2019) are increasingly becoming safety risks on the road because the MCU1 system crash can occur at any time, even while driving (not just when the car is going through it's start-up cycle). Whenever this occurs, it means the driver is unable to change the headlights which is especially harmful during dawn and dusk hours since these models do not have daytime running headlights. Drivers may be unable to use turn signals, unlock power doors (the Model X has power-driven doors on all sides) and advanced systems may be inoperable during the MCU1 rebooting process. This issue can be resolved by replacing the MCU1 operating system with the MCU2 operating system, but Tesla requires MCU1 owners with Auto Pilot Computer version 1.0 to pay $1,750 for what they are calling an "infotainment upgrade." This is disingenuous terminology used by Tesla because the MCU1 operating system is not just for "infotainment" - it is beyond that and includes significant safety features as mentioned above (headlights, doors, locks, windows, ADAS, and more). Tesla needs to cover the cost of replacing MCU1 with MCU2 or a new system that is stable and does not experience frequent data crashes. In other words, there must be a fix beyond the 8GB eMMC "band aid" that has not resolved the chronic failure of MCU1 systems. This is a continuing safety issue and driving hazard for all Tesla owners with MCU1 until a recall is issued.

Filed Apr 17, 2023 · Electrical · NY

There was not an incident. But the vehicle is not so safe. The driver needs to move eyes from the road for many normal functions like wipers, horn, high beam. In addition, using the phone is dangerous because all the information is displayed on the main screen and requires the driver to look away an select options. This should be displayed in the dash board behind the steering wheel (like it was in prior models)

Filed Jan 23, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · OR

On Jan 1st, approx 6 PM (completely dark), I was driving my 2019 MX (41K miles) traveling at 60-65MPH on I5. All of a sudden, I noticed a series of dashboard warnings popped up with warning sounds -> "Acceleration/top speed reduced", "Performance Reduced", "Service Require", and "Vehicle system shutting down". I had to pull over to the left shoulder due to limited control of my MX and I was only able to coast without any control of my power padel.. It was a scary moment hearing the beeping warning sound and the cars flying by in the express lane. feeling the MX shaken every time when car passes by. I tried to call Tesla roadside assistance and waited for >40 min without anyone picking up the call. Decided to call the highway patrol and we were EXTREMELY LUCKY when the patrol car pulled up to protect us with its flashing warning lights. Because within five minutes of highway patrol arrival, ALL POWER shut down!! My warning light blinker and headlights were out COMPLETELY!!! We could have been in a detrimental situation if the patrol car did not show up and ended up with cars/semi running into our parked MX. After the tow truck (summoned by the officer) towed our MX to the nearest SC (4.5 miles away), we paid the outrageous $930 fee. After the Tesla rep informed me the HV battery and the 12V needs to be replaced.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Lights · LA

If breaks you to change the entire head light at the cost of about 2500USD

Filed Aug 15, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · PA

Headlights will not work. Due to the vehicle not having a method of turning on headlights without access to a properly working media control unit which happens to be of all touch screen functionality a blackout of the screen will cause the driver to have no other access to the headlights or other vital safety features. This issue has been ongoing with Tesla for a long period of time and it continuously put the occupants of the vehicle at risk for injury both severe or fatal. Repeatedly addressed this malfunction of the vehicle with the repair facility and it has failed to be corrected or repaired.