Tesla has introduced a new option for Model 3 owners in the United States, allowing them to retrofit their electric vehicle with a turn signal stalk that was previously removed during the 2024 “Highland” update. The company now sells a retrofit kit for $595 through its official website, addressing feedback from customers who were dissatisfied with the turn signal buttons introduced on the refreshed Model 3. Owners are required to have a confirmed Model 3 vehicle on their Tesla account to purchase the kit, ensuring that only eligible vehicles can receive the modification. This move reflects Tesla’s response to continuing conversations around driver preferences and vehicle interface changes, emphasizing that customer input still holds a place in Tesla’s evolving approach to in-car controls.
Earlier discussions about Tesla’s interior updates often centered around the brand’s push toward minimalism and enhanced automation. While the “Highland” Model 3 eliminated the turn signal stalk to make room for steering wheel-mounted buttons, feedback was mixed and sometimes critical regarding the usability of the new setup. Other reports highlighted that the Model Y, launched after the updated Model 3, retained the use of a traditional stalk, contrasting the Model 3’s button-only approach and reflecting varying implementations across Tesla’s product line. These previous observations emphasized user experience challenges and adaptation hurdles, issues that continue to play a role in Tesla’s latest decisions.
What Motivated Tesla to Offer the Turn Signal Stalk Retrofit?
The choice to remove the turn signal stalk was initially linked to Hyundai and other automakers’ moves toward decluttering steering columns and signaling a future-ready, self-driving vision. Tesla prioritized intuitive controls and a pared-down interior but soon found that not all drivers embraced the changes. The company responded to concerns about driver comfort and habitual use by offering the retrofit option, signaling a willingness to reconsider some design decisions.
“We listen to customer feedback and strive to offer options that meet diverse needs,” Tesla stated.
How Does the Retrofit Kit Work for Model 3 Owners?
Owners interested in restoring the stalk to their steering columns can purchase the retrofit kit for $595 via Tesla’s U.S. online store. Installation requires confirmation of ownership in the buyer’s Tesla account, ensuring compatibility and proper integration with existing vehicle systems. The kit brings back the functionality many drivers preferred, aiming to restore what some considered a more familiar and accessible signal interface.
“Our goal is to provide flexibility,” a Tesla spokesperson announced, “so customers can personalize their experience.”
Why Did Tesla Keep the Stalk in the New Model Y?
Despite the removal from Model 3, the current generation Model Y continues to include a turn signal stalk. This decision appears tied to customer reception; reports indicated dissatisfaction with button-only signals, prompting Tesla to retain traditional controls in newer Model Y vehicles. The company seems to be carefully weighing user feedback against design intent, balancing efficiency in manufacturing with consumer acceptance and usability across different models.
Tesla’s approach to vehicle controls displays a flexible mindset, particularly as the brand experiments with different interfaces for drivers. The ability to adapt and reintroduce a physical stalk for Model 3 indicates Tesla’s acknowledgment that not all innovations resonate equally with its customer base. For drivers prioritizing tactile, legacy controls over touch-based alternatives, Tesla’s retrofit kit offers another layer of customization, limiting frustration and broadening appeal. Anyone interested in the retrofit needs to ensure their car is eligible and account access is up to date before making a purchase. For those weighing new electric vehicle purchases, examining differences between Model 3 and Model Y interfaces could help match individual preferences to available features.
