Tesla owners have long dealt with targeted vandalism, from keying to more dramatic damage. One Tesla owner recently took to X with a suggestion: “Hey Tesla engineers, any way of getting in a software update an alarm to protect from keying the car? Could tell the criminal before they start that they are being filmed and reported to the authorities.”
Elon’s reply was characteristically straightforward. Rather than a complex verbal warning system, he suggested Tesla vehicles could simply honk at people attempting to vandalize them. Honking would serve both as a deterrent and attention-grabber, potentially scaring off would-be vandals before damage occurs.
Elon says Teslas could honk at people that try to key or vandalize them.
Tesla’s existing sentry mode already uses the vehicle’s external cameras to monitor for threats, (sentry mode previews now on Android, allows send you a video of a alert). Adding a honking response wouldn’t require new hardware—just a software update that recognizes someone approaching with apparent intent to damage the vehicle.
A system that automatically honks at people near a Tesla raises questions. What triggers the honk? How close must someone be to the vehicle? System would need careful calibration to avoid false alarms while still protecting against actual threats.
The suggestion has garnered support from Tesla owners who’ve faced vandalism. Tesla’s ability to deploy new features via OTA updates means this protection could roll out quickly if approved.
The honking feature might not stop determined vandals, but it could make potential keyers think twice before they scratch a Tesla.
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