Tesla Headlights make your car visible to oncoming traffic and maximize visibility when driving at night or in severe weather. That’s why you must replace them if you notice any issues with your Tesla headlights.
Replacement costs can range from $279 up to $3,631 or $4,600 depending on your model and the amount of the repair.
Types of Tesla Headlights and Their Features
Tesla cars feature different types of Headlight options and each type of Tesla headlight comes with a unique set of benefits & drawbacks. The ultimate headlight replacement cost also varies depending on the type of headlight that you prefer or choose.
Here, have a clear grasp of the available Tesla headlight types and their key features:
1. Halogen, Xenon, and LED Headlights Comparison:
| Factors | Halogen Headlights | Xenon Headlights | LED Headlights |
| The Brightness Battle: | These headlights are the traditional choice. Provide satisfactory but pale illumination in comparison to the other two options. | Also known as high-intensity discharge (HID) lights. Deliver much brighter and more intense light, making them a popular upgrade. | Provide outstanding brightness, vision, and a clean white light that closely matches natural sunshine. Best option compared to the other two. |
| Energy Efficiency: | Do not consume as much energy as Xenon but surely need more energy than LEDs. | Xenon headlights are known for their high energy consumption and less energy efficiency. | Outshine both halogen and xenon because they require less power to operate, making them more energy efficient. |
| Longevity: | Generally, offer a lifespan of 450 to 1,000 hours. | Can last 2,000 to 5,000 hours max. | Have an impressive lifespan of up to 25,000 hours or more. |
| Color Temperature & Aesthetics: | Emit a warm, yellowish glow, which might seem less appealing to some drivers. | Produce a cooler, bluish-white light, giving your Tesla a more modern look. | Offer the widest range of color temperature options with a pure white light or a slightly warmer tone. |
2. Adaptive Headlights and Auto-leveling Systems:
Tesla Adaptive Headlights and Auto-leveling Systems are advanced features available in certain Tesla models like the 2021 Model 3 and Model Y.
These smart headlights primarily use sensors and cameras to alter the headlight beams in real-time based on the driving conditions and surroundings.
The auto-leveling system ensures that the headlights are always aimed correctly, regardless of the vehicle’s load or pitch to avoid blinding other drivers on the road.
3. Integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRLs):
Tesla Integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are standard on all Tesla models, including the Model 3 and Model Y.
The DRLs are LED lights built into the headlights that provide enhanced visibility on the road throughout the day.
Average Cost of Tesla Headlight Replacement:
Typically, the average cost of a Tesla headlight replacement is $1,000 – 1,400 including the price of labor and parts at Tesla Service Center.
Factors That Influence the Total Estimates:
- the model year of your car,
- the specific repair you need whether it’s the bulb/LED module or the entire headlight assembly.
- the current labor rate, whether your car is still under warranty,
- where you are taking your car for repair, and
- the current price of the selected parts.
Note that the older version headlight replacement parts will be less expensive than the newer versions.
Despite the fact that Tesla has not provided a price for each Model headlight repair or replacement, replacing the entire headlight assembly may cost you:
| Replacement Cost | ($1,200 – $4,600) |
| Labor Expense | ($280 – $670) |
| Parts Price | ($300 – $1,500) |
OEM vs. Aftermarket Headlight Prices
Tesla OEM parts may cost between $800 and $1,500, but the aftermarket spare parts will be available for around $150 to $500 max.
Additional Expenses for Professional Installation
The cost of replacing the headlight bulb only will start from $185 (single), which can go up to $1,000. The Tesla LED module estimated price will be between $800 and $1,200.
Similarly, Tesla headlight lenses may cost you between $125 and $1,070.
Consumer reports also show that some got an estimated quote of $3,631 to $4,600 from Tesla when they booked the appointment via Tesla Mobile App for their headlamp replacement, where the cost of replacement parts was listed between $1,470 and $1,650.
If you go to the Tesla Service Center for headlight replacement, they will charge you an additional $300, including the labor rate and Vat or service tax.
However, third-party service centers or workshops like the RepairSmith will charge around $30 to $55 as labor expenses and about $90 to $115 for spare parts.
5 Best Headlight Bulbs Compatible for Tesla Models:
| Headlight Options | Source Type | Color Temperature | Wattage | Voltage |
| OSRAM XENARC D3S HID Xenon Headlight | Xenon | 4300 Kelvin | 35 | 42 |
| Philips 42302C1 D3S Standard Xenon HID Headlight | Xenon | 6000 Kelvin | 35 | 42 |
| MIFMIA 9005 LED High Beam Headlight | LED | 6500 Kelvin | 50 | 12 |
| AUXITO 9007 Adjustable Dual Beam HB5 LED Light | LED | 6500 Kelvin | 80 | 12 |
| SYLVANIA – D3S SilverStar zXe HID Headlight Bulb | High-Intensity Discharge | 3200 Lumen | 35 | 12 |
Signs Indicating a Need for Tesla Headlight Replacement
The headlights will naturally deteriorate over time, so you will need to replace them at some point.
But some signs can also alert you about the required headlight replacement:
- When the headlights gradually become dim and do not provide proper visibility during driving.
- Even too high intensity of your headlights may cause visual difficulty during driving, so it’s better to replace the bulb.
- If one or multiple headlights start to flicker randomly, that’s the early stage of complete burning out of the Tesla headlight bulbs.
- If the low beam stops working or you see visible cracks on your headlight assembly.
- When you start to have difficulty in switching the light mode on your Tesla or the light/s fail to stay engaged.
Related Post: Tesla Matrix Headlights: The Latest Innovation in Automotive Lighting
Tesla Headlight Replacement Guide:
Remember that the complete Tesla headlight assembly replacement is a complex task and requires specific technical expertise.
So, it’s better to get the entire assembly replaced by a Tesla body shop or mobile repair.
But if you only need to replace the bulb on your Tesla, here is the easiest step-by-step method for your reference:
| Tools Needed |
| A normal Screwdriver |
| Plastic Nylon Spudgers |
| A 10 mm socket wrench |
STEP 1 – Once you have parked your Tesla on a flat surface and turned off the engine properly, you may need to remove the frunk (front trunk) liner or even the front bumper to access the headlight assembly.
For some models (Tesla Model S), you can access it directly from the engine compartment.
So, start the task by removing the plastic cover, and to do that, remove the 3 screws holding down the plastic cowling in place.
STEP 2 – Once you have removed the wheel out of the way, you will see these little retainers or rivets:
These retainers are push-in pieces, so you just need to go into the hole and push the inner part. Then use a screwdriver or plastic nylon spudgers to pry out the inner piece.
Next, take the screw off the tire and take off the outer part. Be careful not to break the pieces, but if they are old and brittle, they will most likely break during this process.
Those spare pieces will be available in any auto hardware and online store (Amazon).
STEP 3 – Once you’ve taken out all the screws make sure you be careful don’t rip it out right away and just wait until the whole dust settles.
Then, behind that fan area, you will see the temperature sensor on a wire, and it’s clipped onto that plastic piece.
So, you’ll have to tear them out through the plastic. Unless you can wedge a small metal piece between the clip and the plastic and bend the prong back while pulling the clip off.
STEP 4 –
Once you have taken this off take that layer off too. Then, reach into the air and just above the fan.
You will notice this type of round rubber-shaped thing and that’s where the headlight is behind.
So, take that off and you will see this metal box, which is attached to the light bulb. There you will notice a plastic ring that holds the bulb.
Reach out over there and turn that ring to the left maybe like thirty degrees or so to release the light bulb.
Now take the light bulb out which will be still attached to a little wire. So, take off that wire.
STEP 5 – Put the plastic ring on the new bulb and make sure you put it on the exact same way in the same
orientation this way. Attach the new bulb following the same orientation as the older one.
Repeat all the steps reversely to put everything else back together in place and run a test drive to check how the bulb/s working.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Who manufactures Tesla headlights?
HELLA, the renowned German-based automotive part supplier makes the headlights for Tesla Models.
Do Tesla EVs come with LED headlights?
Yes, some Tesla Models feature LEDs. Reportedly Tesla Model 3 and Model Y each car feature 104 LED headlights.
