A tale as old as time, a song as old as rhyme, blinded by the lights. A recent recall involving Tesla‘s infamous Cybertruck was just issued by NHTSA regarding its front parking lights exceeding the maximum output. According to the recall acknowledgment, this affects 63,619 models produced from 2024–2026.
Anyone who’s ever driven a vehicle has likely been subject to the annoying driver with their brights unnecessarily lit up, blinding every oncoming driver as well as lighting up the cabin of anyone unlucky enough to be driving in front of them, but this time, the NHTSA has stepped in to say “no more”. OTA updates for the Cybertruck are available to remedy the situation, though, unfortunately, that one guy in your hometown with a lightbar and rock lights on his pickup will remain at large.
NHTSA Turns The Lights Off On The Cybertruck (Kind Of)
This recent recall involving certain 2024–2026 Tesla Cybertrucks operating software prior to 2025.38.3 states that the vehicle’s controller software may cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. We all know how this negatively affects everyone else on the road — think about the last time a lifted Chevy tailgated you with high beams so bright they could rival an EDM concert. Likewise, the Cybertruck’s exterior lights, more specifically, the front parking lights, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, which pertains to lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
While this may not be a complete system failure or mechanical fault, the excessive brightness of the exterior lighting could undoubtedly lead to a vehicular accident, as we’ve seen in other instances where drivers’ vision was impaired due to blinding lights. That said, non-Cybertruck drivers won’t have to suffer too long, as the remedy stated by the manufacturer is an over-the-air (OTA) software update that should correct the vehicle’s controller software, allowing it to ease up on the output. This update is available free of charge to all Cybertruck owners, with notification letters expected to be mailed on December 13, 2025.
Tesla’s Eventful Year Nears An End With A Recall And Worrisome Forecasts
Aside from the Cybertruck’s recall bringing unwanted news to the EV manufacturer, Tesla’s Q3 report shows record quarterly sales, though investors aren’t impressed. This is primarily because Tesla’s profit fell from a year ago and missed analysts’ estimates. Also, experts blame the boom in sales on the EV tax credit ending, which saw many manufacturers move more electric models due to buyers wanting to reap the discount while they could.
Investors and auto experts alike predict a dip in EV popularity as the driving incentive behind purchasing an EV is now gone. Tesla, in particular, has a tough road ahead, not only because of the dismissal of the $7,500 tax credit but also because of Elon Musk’s political controversy, which has left Tesla buyers split in terms of support for the brand. Time will tell whether the controversial brand will remain a leading EV manufacturer, considering growing competition and looming economic strife, though one thing is for sure: Cybertrucks will be getting their lights dimmed.
Source: NHTSA