2017–2023 1st generation (original, pre-Highland)
2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 Headlight and Bulb Sizes
Headlight bulb types vary by trim on the 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3. Full bulb chart for every position, plus whether LED replacements fit the factory housings.
Last verified
2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 bulb chart
| Position | Bulb type |
|---|---|
| Low beam | LED (sealed module, no user-replaceable bulb) |
| High beam | LED (sealed module) |
| Fog light | LED (where equipped) |
| note | All exterior lighting is LED. A failed headlight means an assembly or module replacement through Tesla service, not a bulb. |
Bulb fitments can vary with option packages (halogen vs. LED lighting). Confirm the bulb you are removing matches before ordering.
Which Tesla Model 3 model years does this cover?
These headlight bulbs specifications apply to every Tesla Model 3 built from 2017 through 2023 — the 1st generation (original, pre-Highland), compact ev sedan. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3
- 2017US deliveries began July 2017, Long Range RWD only (310 mi), 18-in Aero or 19-in Sport wheels
- 2018Dual Motor Long Range AWD and Performance added mid-year; Mid Range RWD (264 mi) added in October
- 2019Standard Range and Standard Range Plus launch (Feb); Long Range RWD and Mid Range dropped during the year; Autopilot made standard
- 2021Major running refresh: heat pump replaces the PTC heater, chrome delete, powered trunk, new center console, double-pane front glass, 82 kWh pack on LR/Performance, ranges rise (SR+ 263 mi, LR 353 mi, Performance 315 mi)
- 2022SR+ renamed 'RWD' with a 272-mi LFP battery (charge to 100% weekly). Cars built after ~Dec 2021 switch the 12V lead-acid accessory battery for a 16V Li-ion unit
- 2023Final year of the original body; carryover, with the original-generation production ending late 2023 for the Highland changeover
2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 headlight bulbs: common questions
What headlight bulb does a 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 use?
- LED (sealed module, no user-replaceable bulb) for the low beam and LED (sealed module) for the high beam. Trims with factory LED or HID projectors use a sealed assembly instead and are not bulb-serviceable.
What fog light bulb does a 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 take?
- LED (where equipped).
Can you put LED bulbs in a 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3?
- Physically, yes, LED replacements exist in every common base. Whether they work well depends on the housing: a reflector housing designed around a halogen filament scatters LED output into oncoming traffic instead of down the road. Projector housings tolerate the swap far better. Some vehicles also flag the lower current draw as a bulb-out fault.
Sources
- Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing the Low Voltage Lead-Acid Battery (85B24LS spec, Li-ion transition dates)
- Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual, Maintenance Service Intervals
- Tesla Support, Vehicle Maintenance (cabin filter, brake fluid, desiccant, rotation intervals)
- Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing Wiper Blades (26 in / 19 in)
- Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing Cabin Filters
- NHTSA Part 573 report, recall 22V-702 (window automatic reversal)
- NHTSA ODI resume, investigation PE22-002 (unexpected brake activation, 2021–2022 Model 3/Y)
- Consumer Reports, Tesla heat pump recall 22V-050 details
- Wheel-Size.com, 2018 Tesla Model 3 OE fitments and 42 psi pressures
- Tesla Model Y/3 Owner's Manual, Wheels and Tires (129 ft-lb lug torque)
- Tesla Motors Club, 16V Li-ion low-voltage battery (15.5 V / 6.9 Ah) documentation thread