NHTSA Complaint #11700777 — 2024 TESLA MODEL 3

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a potentially dangerous defect in my 2024 Tesla Model 3. Unlike traditional vehicles that use a dedicated horn assembly, this model relies on the external speaker system as its horn. While this may function under normal conditions, during rain or heavy moisture the speaker becomes saturated with water, causing the horn’s output to become extremely quiet and ineffective. This is a serious safety concern. The horn is a primary means of warning surrounding drivers and pedestrians of danger, especially in poor weather conditions, where visibility is already compromised. Ironically, during heavy rain when a horn is most needed it becomes significantly quieter and nearly unusable. I have personally experienced this issue multiple times, and it poses a clear risk to myself and other road users. I believe this design presents a safety defect because: The horn does not function at full volume when wet. The speaker-based horn assembly is exposed to moisture and not adequately protected. Drivers may be unable to alert surrounding traffic during hazardous weather conditions. No warning is provided to the driver that the horn is impaired. I request that the NHTSA investigate whether the use of a speaker-based horn system without adequate waterproofing meets federal motor vehicle safety standards, and whether Tesla should issue a service bulletin, recall, or design modification to restore safe horn functionality regardless of weather conditions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am willing to provide photos, videos, or further documentation if needed.