Tesla brings back indicator stalks for the Model 3… but there’s a catch

August 20, 2025 George East

After removing indicator stalks from its updated Tesla Model 3 for the 2023 model year, the Elon Musk-owned EV manufacturer has backtracked by re-introducing them on its best-seller.

The Tesla Model 3’s 2023 ‘Highland’ facelift re-configured the steering column-mounted indicator stalks as touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel to further “reduce clutter” in what was an already minimalist cabin.

While – for reasons known only to Tesla – a ‘PRND’ gear selector is located on a roof-mounted panel adjacent to the rear-view mirror, the steering column’s gear selector stalk has also been removed and replaced by a gear selection touch slider located on the right hand of the Model 3’s 15.4-inch centrally-mounted touchscreen.

The Highland update introduced a cleaner look and made the Model 3 generally a better car (Image: Tesla)

Both moves proved divisive amongst owners, with some praising the US carmaker for its innovative approach to ergonomics, while others accused them of re-inventing the wheel for no reason.

In light of the controversy, Tesla has brought back indicator stalks as a retrofittable option costing 2,499 yuan (around £260) for Chinese market Highland Model 3 models. EV Powered has reached out to Tesla for comment about whether the indicator stalks will be offered to European owners of the latest-gen Model 3 in the future.

Regardless of market, there is no news about the re-introduction of a physical gear selector.

The controversial Model S yoke steering wheel (Image: Tesla)

The re-introduction of the Model 3’s indicator stalks is not the first U-turn of this kind Tesla has made. In 2021 when it updated its Model S, a yoke steering wheel was fitted as standard to the car with Musk saying that the controversial component wasn’t going anywhere. Fast-forward to 2023, and the yoke was sidelined as an optional extra and replaced by a conventional steering wheel.

Despite the controversial move to rid the Model 3 of its indicator stalks, the Highland update was largely well-received. It gave the Model 3 a smarter, re-designed front end, revised suspension tuning, and ushered in ventilated seats and a rear passenger touchscreen. The overall interior quality of the Model 3 was also vastly improved as a result of the changes.