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Tesla Brings Back Turn-Signal Stalk to Model 3 in China With Paid Retrofit

Bookings in China begin in mid-September in response to backlash over wheel-mounted turn-signal buttons.

Overview

  • Service bookings open in mid-September through the Tesla app, with the retrofit priced at 2,499 yuan (about €300/$350).
  • Initial eligibility covers Model 3 vehicles built after 7 February 2025, with support for older cars promised later.
  • The upgrade installs a physical turn-signal lever and replaces the current button-equipped steering wheel with a version without those buttons.
  • The change follows sustained criticism of the 2023 redesign that removed stalks in favor of steering-wheel buttons and screen controls, which testers found error-prone in situations like roundabouts.
  • Chinese outlet CnEVPost reports new Model 3s in China now ship with the lever as standard, with no international rollout announced.