Tesla Model S DRL Repair: Do You Need to Fix Both the Top and Side DRL?

If you own a facelift Tesla Model S (2016–2021) and have noticed that your daytime running light (DRL) has turned yellow, become dim, or stopped working, you may be wondering whether you need to repair both the top and side DRL sections.

The short answer is no — if your side DRL is working correctly, there is usually no need to repair it.

In most cases we encounter, the problem affects the top DRL section, while the side DRL remains fully functional. Repairing only the faulty section can save money and avoid unnecessary work on components that are still working as they should.

Why Does the Top DRL Fail More Often Than the Side DRL?

The facelift Tesla Model S headlight has two distinct DRL sections:

• Top DRL: The long upper light strip, which commonly develops yellowing, reduced brightness, or complete failure over time.
• Side DRL: The separate side section, which generally remains white and functional even when the top DRL develops a problem.

Although both sections contribute to the headlight’s overall appearance, they do not necessarily deteriorate at the same rate.

Based on our repair experience, the top DRL is by far the more common failure point. Yellowing is often the first noticeable symptom, followed by a gradual loss of brightness and, eventually, complete failure.

The side DRL, in comparison, rarely develops the same issue. This is why it is common to see a Tesla Model S with a yellow or non-working top DRL while the side section still looks and works perfectly.

Is It Necessary to Repair Both DRL Sections?

No. If the side DRL is still working properly, you generally only need to repair the top DRL.

There is little reason to replace or repair a functioning component simply because another section of the same headlight has failed.

For example, imagine that your Tesla Model S has the following symptoms:

• The top DRL has turned yellow.
• The top DRL is noticeably dimmer than before.
• The top DRL has stopped illuminating completely.
• The side DRL still produces a normal, white light.

In this situation, the sensible solution is to repair the top DRL and leave the side DRL alone.

Choosing a repair solution that addresses the actual problem avoids spending extra money on a section that does not currently need attention.

Of course, if the side DRL is also yellow, dim, flickering, or completely out, both sections should be assessed and the appropriate repair selected.

How Common Is Top DRL Failure?

In our experience repairing facelift Tesla Model S headlights, the top DRL is overwhelmingly the section affected by deterioration.

We have seen this pattern repeatedly: the upper strip starts turning yellow, the colour change becomes more noticeable, and the light may eventually stop working. Meanwhile, the side DRL often continues to operate normally.

Based on our repair experience, the top DRL accounts for nearly all the DRL problems we encounter, while side DRL failures are comparatively rare.

This is an observation from our repair experience rather than a published statistical failure rate for every Tesla Model S on the road. Individual headlights can vary depending on their age, usage, condition, and previous repairs.

The practical takeaway is straightforward: check which section has actually failed before deciding which repair kit you need.

Which Tesla Model S DRL Repair Kit Should You Choose?

At ModelSDRLRepairKit.com, we offer different repair solutions depending on which DRL sections are affected.

1. Top DRL Repair Kit

Choose the top DRL repair kit if the upper light strip has turned yellow, become dim, or stopped working while the side DRL remains in good condition.

This is the most common repair scenario we encounter.

The kit is designed for the top DRL of facelift Tesla Model S headlights from 2016–2021, allowing you to address the faulty section without unnecessarily repairing the functioning side DRL.

View the Top DRL Repair Kit:
https://modelsdrlrepairkit.com/product/tesla-model-s-2016-2021-headlights-top-drl-repair-kit-set-for-left-right/

2. Complete DRL Repair Kit — Top and Side

If both the top and side DRL sections have deteriorated or stopped working, a complete repair solution may be the more appropriate choice.

This option is intended for headlights where both sections need attention, helping restore a consistent light colour and appearance across the entire DRL signature.

Before choosing a complete kit, inspect both sections carefully to confirm that both actually require repair.

View the available DRL repair kits:
https://modelsdrlrepairkit.com/shop/

How to Check Which Section Needs Repair

Before ordering a repair kit, turn on the vehicle’s lighting and inspect the DRL sections on both headlights.

Use this simple guide:

• Top DRL yellow, side DRL white: A top DRL repair is generally sufficient.
• Top DRL not working, side DRL working: Investigate and repair the top DRL.
• Both sections yellow or dim: Have both sections assessed and consider a complete repair.
• Side DRL not working: Check the side DRL separately to determine the cause before choosing a repair solution.

Keep in mind that a non-working light can sometimes have an electrical or connection-related cause. If the symptoms do not match the usual failure pattern, proper diagnosis is important before replacing components.

Do You Need to Replace the Entire Headlight?

In many cases, no.

A failed DRL does not automatically mean that the entire headlight assembly is defective. If the headlight housing, lens, and main lighting system remain in good condition, repairing the affected DRL section may allow you to retain the original headlight.

This is especially relevant when only the top DRL has deteriorated and the side DRL and main headlight functions are still working correctly.

A targeted repair can be a more economical alternative to replacing a complete headlight assembly unnecessarily.

Final Verdict: Repair Only What Is Broken

If your facelift Tesla Model S has a yellow or non-working top DRL but the side DRL still works perfectly, there is generally no need to repair both sections.

The top DRL is the much more common failure point in our repair experience, while side DRL problems are comparatively rare.

Inspect both sections, identify the actual fault, and choose the repair solution that matches your headlight’s condition.

For most owners experiencing the typical yellow top DRL problem, a dedicated top DRL repair kit is the logical place to start.

Visit ModelSDRLRepairKit.com to find the right repair solution for your Tesla Model S and restore the appearance of your original headlights without paying for repairs you may not need.