Recall 22V844 covers 321,628 2020-2023 Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles for taillights that intermittently fail. Tesla's OTA software update is free.
Tesla is recalling 321,628 2020-2023 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles under recall 22V844 because one or both taillights can intermittently fail to illuminate. A dark taillight reduces the vehicle's visibility and increases crash risk, and Tesla's free repair is available.
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What's wrong?
The taillights on the affected Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles are rear exterior lights controlled by vehicle firmware. They illuminate at the back of the vehicle so drivers behind you can see the car in low light, braking, and normal traffic. The firmware is the vehicle software that tells the lighting system when to operate.
In this recall, the problem is not a broken bulb or housing. Tesla traced it to a firmware anomaly during the vehicle wake-up process, when the car powers up its systems before use. That anomaly creates a false fault detection, and the vehicle treats one or both taillights as if there is a lighting fault. When that happens, one or both taillights fail to illuminate intermittently.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner is likely to notice is a taillight that is dark when the vehicle is awake, or another driver pointing out that the rear lights are not working.
Who's affected?
The Model Y scope covers 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, while Model 3 is limited to 2023 in this scope.
| 2022 Tesla Model Y | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 | Tail lights |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | Tail lights |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | Tail lights |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | Tail lights |
| Units affected | 321,628 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed taillight makes the vehicle harder for other drivers to see, increasing crash risk. Drive cautiously until the software update or repair is complete, especially after dark, in rain, or in traffic. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2023 Tesla Model Y or Model 3 is included in this recall.
- Install the free over-the-air software update that fixes the intermittent taillight illumination failure.
- Contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 if the update is not available in the vehicle or Tesla app.
- Reference recall number 22V844 and Tesla recall SB-22-00-016 when you call.
- Use extra care until the update is installed, especially in low light or poor weather.
What happens at the repair
For this recall, the repair is a Tesla over-the-air software update, not a parts replacement. Tesla released the update free of charge to correct the taillight illumination issue. If your vehicle has not received the update, contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 and refer to Tesla recall SB-22-00-016. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through existing warranty coverage, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Tesla says there are no out-of-warranty repairs related to this condition. Ask Tesla customer service how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 15, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 14, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 14, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 14, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V844?
Recall 22V844 covers 321,628 Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles with taillights that intermittently fail to illuminate. The defect can reduce vehicle visibility and increase crash risk. Tesla released a free over-the-air software update under recall 22V844.
What should I do if my 2020-2023 Tesla Model Y or Model 3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V844. If it is, confirm that the free over-the-air software update for Tesla recall SB-22-00-016 has installed. Contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 if the update is missing.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Tesla released the over-the-air software update free of charge. The remedy for recall 22V844 is software-based, so an installed update completes the repair path for included vehicles.
Is it safe to drive with this taillight recall?
This recall is about visibility, not a do-not-drive order. A taillight that fails to illuminate reduces how well other drivers see the vehicle and increases crash risk. Check your VIN, verify the free software update, and contact Tesla if the update has not installed.
What if I bought this Tesla used?
The recall still follows the VIN. Used-vehicle ownership does not remove the free recall remedy. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Model Y or Model 3 is included, then verify that Tesla recall SB-22-00-016 has been completed on the vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V844000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V844 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V844000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →