Tesla is known for pushing the boundaries of automotive design, sometimes in ways that spark controversy. One of the most debated decisions in recent years was the removal of the turn signal stalk and gear selector stalk from the Model 3 as part of the 2023 “Project Highland” refresh.
However, new reports suggest that Tesla is about to make a dramatic U-turn—literally and figuratively.
The Turn Signal Stalk Is Making a Comeback
According to Chris Zheng, a well-known Tesla insider with a strong track record of accurate leaks, the company is preparing to bring back the turn signal stalk on the Model 3. He shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“The Tesla Model 3 will soon add a turn signal stalk.”
While he didn’t reveal exactly when this change will take effect, the rumor is already generating excitement and debate among Tesla fans and critics alike.
Rumors suggest that Tesla may bring back the turn signal stalk for the Model 3.
Do you prefer Tesla’s stalkless design, or is the new Model Y’s single stalk solution the best? https://t.co/l71Y19ZPEW
— Tesla Region (@teslaregion) February 19, 2025
Why Is Tesla Reversing Its Decision?
Tesla’s decision to remove stalks from the Model 3 and other vehicles was part of its minimalist interior design philosophy. Instead of physical stalks, turn signals were moved to touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. This change, however, wasn’t well received by all Tesla owners.
So why is Tesla bringing the stalk back now? The answer might lie in its latest Model Y refresh, which retained the turn signal stalk despite eliminating the gear selector.
Tesla’s chief designer Franz von Holzhausen and chief engineer Lars Moravy recently explained their reasoning:
Franz von Holzhausen:
“One thing that’s quite nice is we brought back the stalks for the indicators. When you indicate a left or right turn, a camera view comes up on the screen as well.”
Lars Moravy:
“You know, with the stalks, we always say at Tesla, if you aren’t deleting so much that you have to put something back, you haven’t deleted enough. Maybe we deleted too much.”
This statement suggests that Tesla may have gone too far in its quest for minimalism and is now backtracking based on user feedback.
History of Tesla Removing Physical Controls
Tesla’s button-free approach started in 2021, when it removed the gear selector stalk from the Model S and Model X, replacing it with touchscreen controls and auto-shifting technology. The Cybertruck continued this trend, eliminating physical stalks altogether.
However, the new Model Y refresh kept the turn signal stalk, marking a shift in Tesla’s design philosophy. If Tesla is keeping a stalk on the Model Y, it makes sense that the Model 3 would follow suit.
Why Did Tesla Remove Physical Buttons in the First Place?
Many people have questioned Tesla’s obsession with eliminating physical buttons and stalks. The company has two main reasons:
1. Full Self-Driving (FSD) Ambitions
Elon Musk believes Tesla is close to achieving Level 5 Full Self-Driving (FSD)—a future where cars will drive themselves without human intervention. In this vision, turn signal stalks and gear selectors would be obsolete because the car would make all decisions on its own.
Musk’s logic is that every function in a Tesla should be software-controlled, meaning no purely mechanical components that a human must operate. This is why Tesla has been gradually phasing out physical controls.
2. Aesthetic and Minimalist Interior Design
Tesla’s design team has also argued that buttons and stalks make a car look outdated. The company prefers a clean, futuristic interior with as few physical components as possible.
However, real-world usability often clashes with design philosophy. Many Tesla owners have found the lack of a turn signal stalk frustrating, especially when making quick lane changes or turns. As a result, Tesla seems to be course-correcting before achieving full self-driving capabilities.
What This Means for Tesla Owners
If Tesla does bring back the turn signal stalk, it will likely be added to future Model 3 production rather than being retrofitted to existing vehicles. For current Model 3 Highland owners, this means they’ll have to stick with the button-based turn signals unless Tesla offers an upgrade option.
For potential buyers, this change could be great news, as it restores a familiar and practical feature that many drivers still prefer.
Is Tesla Learning From Its Mistakes?
Tesla’s decision to remove turn signal stalks was controversial, and it now seems the company is listening to customer feedback. While Tesla is still committed to a button-free future, this move proves that even the most innovative companies sometimes go too far and have to take a step back.
What do you think? Do you prefer Tesla’s stalk-free design, or is bringing back the turn signal stalk the right move? Let us know your thoughts!