Tesla has officially restored the turn signal stalk to the Model 3 in China, ending one of its most divisive design experiments in recent years. The stalk, which disappeared with the debut of the refreshed Model 3 in 2023, has now reappeared in the vehicle’s online configurator as a standard feature.
When Tesla first removed the turn signal stalk from the Model 3 refresh, it replaced the lever with touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Tesla argued that the change was in line with its minimalist design philosophy and would streamline the driving experience.
However, owners quickly voiced frustration, saying the stalk-free design made every day driving less intuitive and even distracting, particularly in situations requiring quick signaling, or when the steering wheel was turned, like in a roundabout.
Tesla appeared to be walking back the decision when they launched the refreshed Model Y and chose to retain the stalk design. Now, with the stalk officially returning as standard equipment on the Model 3 in China, Tesla appears to have realized customers still prefer a traditional stalk.
While the stalk has returned in China, there appears to be no option for customers to select a stalkless design with the touch button steering wheel controls.
Tesla’s decision to permanently bring back the turn signal stalk follows closely on the heels of the recently announced retrofit for the Model 3 in China, priced at around ¥2,499 (C$480/$350 USD). That retrofit option was designed for customers who purchased stalkless vehicles manufactured after February 2025, with availability promised for earlier builds in the future.
As we mentioned in our article about the retrofit, we fully expect the stalk to reappear in the North America. Even though Giga Shanghai supplies other international markets, like Europe, the stalk has yet to return to the configurator elsewhere.
