NHTSA Complaint #11571823 — 2023 TESLA MODEL X

I would like to report an issue with the Tesla model X, which is present in all but the very most recent versions. The issue is with the horn function, which most would agree is essential for safe and defensive driving, as well as notification and communication while in automobiles. Nearly all vehicles have this function on the steering wheel to be activated with an obtuse press of the center region of the steering wheel or a well-demarcated and palpable (as well as ergonomically placed) button for the thumb on both sides of the wheel. The Tesla model X, and I believe other models as well has a single button press they can just barely be reached with my relatively larger male hands. It is also texturally indistinguishable from the rest of the steering wheel functions. This makes it extremely challenging to activate in an urgent situation. And while the feature can also be activated by pressing your palm on the right side of the steering wheel, the concave shape of this portion means that more often I have activated a different feature of the car, rather than activated, the horn because a more precise hand placement is needed. I have had several near accidents that would have been less close had I been able to more easily reach and activate the horn function. There must be many more people who have suffered injury and property damage or caused such due to this safety issue. It appears they are now manufacturing cars with a more typical center press steering wheel to activate the horn, but this does not solve the issue for the thousands of us stuck with the less safe version.