After facing widespread complaints about its stalkless steering design, Tesla has launched an official retrofit program that brings traditional turn signal stalks back to 2024-2025 Model 3 vehicles.
The program is now available through Tesla’s online store, where Model 3 owners can purchase the retrofit kit for $595 in the United States. The price includes both the physical parts and professional installation at authorized Tesla Service Centers. Chinese customers can get the same upgrade for approximately $350, making the North American version 69% more expensive than the Asian market offering.
Only Model 3 vehicles manufactured in 2024 and 2025 qualify for the retrofit. The program specifically targets cars that originally came without turn signal stalks, particularly the Highland trim models. In China, vehicles produced after February 25, 2024 are eligible, while earlier Model 3 variants can’t participate in the program.
The retrofit exclusively serves 2024-2025 Model 3 vehicles that shipped without traditional turn signal stalks from the factory.
Tesla removed the traditional stalks during its 2023-2024 Model 3 Highland refresh. The company initially said this change would reduce weight and improve aesthetics. The removal happened alongside the introduction of yoke steering wheels in some Tesla models. However, drivers immediately reported difficulties adjusting to the new control layout.
The retrofit process isn’t simple. Owners must ship the kit to their chosen Tesla Service Center for installation. DIY guides circulating online show the technical complexity involved, including steering column disassembly and precise component alignment. Tesla requires professional installation at its authorized centers, with functionality testing included in the service protocol. Installation requires careful routing of wires through the steering column and testing connections to ensure functionality before finalizing the installation. The installation requires steering wheel and column replacement, making it a significant modification.
Customer feedback drove this reversal. Complaints focused on safety concerns and usability problems with the stalkless design. Petitions gathered significant support from drivers who wanted traditional controls back. Sales teams reported that the missing stalks were affecting purchase decisions. Regulatory considerations about control interface standards also played a role.
China’s retrofit program launched before North America’s, though both regions use identical parts and the same service-center installation model. The timing differences reflected each region’s service network capacity. Strong demand emerged immediately after Tesla announced the program, with owners quickly inquiring about availability.