NHTSA Complaint #11597451 — 2024 TESLA MODEL X

Tesla has replaced the stalk, normally used for turn signals, into touch screen buttons on the steering wheel. It is very difficult to use these buttons to switch on the turn signal, especially if the steering is not pointing absolutely straight. In other words, if the steering is turned at even a small angle, it becomes almost impossible to press the correct touch screen button without looking down and therefore compromising attention to the road. This can be dangerous, especially at higher speeds, when a fraction of a second delay in response could result in an accident. To add to this problem, often times, when sunlight is coming in at a specific angle, the touch screen buttons are not even visible! These design issues are increasing the chances of a mishap when a turn signal is needed. It is also causing a driver behavior change where drivers are not giving the turn signal, when it is needed. All this is resulting in increased risk which is not good. Tesla needs to provide some type of fix for this issue as soon as possible. This could be in the form of putting the turn signal stalk back in, or at least, ensuring that the left and right turn signals are on different sides of the steering instead of one below the other. They also need to change the lighting on the buttons so that they don't disappear in certain types of daytime light situations. They should also make them protrude out slightly so that they can be felt with the fingers instead of being just touch screen buttons dependent entirely on visibility.