After the news that Tesla is returning the left turn signal stalk to the Model 3 in China, Tesla is now offering a retrofit for existing Model 3 vehicles.
The turn signal stalk retrofit is a wired solution and will be the same one that’s available for the new Model Y, which is a simpler version of the older turn signal stalk. The new stalk doesn’t include the ability to flash your high beams or start the windshield washer. Its only purpose is to turn on the vehicle’s turn signals.
Right now, the retrofit is only available in China for Model 3 vehicles built this year, but it’s expected to be available in other regions in the future. Tesla has also announced that there will be a retrofit option available for older Model 3s in the future, but they didn’t disclose when or the cost of that retrofit.
Price & Installation
Tesla has priced the retrofit at 2,499 yuan, which is about $350 USD. This covers the parts and installation of the turn signal at your Tesla Service Center.
Eligible Vehicles
While it’s great that Tesla is providing current owners the ability to add a turn signal stalk to their vehicle, this feature is only available for the Model 3 and, unfortunately, does not include the Model S, X, or Cybertruck.
It’s also currently only available for more recent Model 3s, presumably the ones where the retrofit will be easier to install, possibly due to a wire harness that already supports it.
Model 3s delivered after February 7th of this year are eligible for the retrofit. Tesla says that it will also offer a retrofit for older vehicles in the future, although the price for that retrofit has yet to be announced.
Vehicle Status | Turn Signal Stalk Status | Cost to Add (if needed) |
|---|---|---|
New Model 3 (China) | Included | $0 |
Delivered after Feb 7, 2025 | Eligible for retrofit | ~$350 USD (labor + parts) |
Delivered before that date | Retrofit coming later | TBD |
Which Vehicles Have Turn Signal Stalks
Right now, Tesla has a mix of vehicles with and without turn signal stalks, and whether your vehicle includes one will vary based on the model and year.
The Model S and Model X were the first vehicles to go stalkless with their 2021 redesign, and they yet to receive them back, but it looks like that will come eventually.
The Model 3 had their stalks removed with the 2024 redesign, but it’s now receiving it back in China, whereas the Model Y never lost its turn signal stalk. The Cybertruck, on the other hand, never had a turn signal stalk, so there’s a wide variety of vehicles with and without a turn signal stalk right now. Tesla’s current stance seems to be that they should have a simpler, left turn signal stalk, but shifting gears and other functions will remain as buttons on the steering wheel or on the center display.
Model | Has Both Stalks | Has Turn Signal Stalk |
|---|---|---|
Model S / X, before 2021 | Yes | Yes |
Model S / X, 2021+ | No | No |
Model 3, before 2024 | Yes | Yes |
Model 3, 2024-2026 | No | No |
Model 3, after 2026 | No | Yes |
Model Y, before 2026 | Yes | Yes |
Model Y, after 2026 | No | Yes |
Cybertruck | No | No |
While new Model 3 cars are rolling off the line with the new turn signal stalk in China, Tesla hasn’t forgotten about its current owners who may prefer stalks over the buttons on the steering wheel.
The Model 3 in China is also receiving a front bumper camera, so it’s possible we may see a slight refresh in Europe and North America where Tesla will add the new camera and the turn signal stalk together.
When Tesla launched the stalkless design in 2021, they hoped automation would fill in the gaps. While this has worked out fairly well for the windshield wipers and gear shifts, it hasn’t been the case for the turn signals, even with the auto-canceling functionality. In particular, having the turn signal buttons on the steering wheel makes them challenging to use in roundabouts.
This retrofit should please a lot of owners, and we’re excited to see it introduced in other regions soon.
