Tesla’s Model 3 is again back in the news after the latest rumors of some small but important update are on the way. These updates will fix some long-standing customer complaints and bring the car more in line with the updated Model Y.
A recent post on X and approval documents from the European Union show that Tesla is planning to add a few hardware upgrades to the Model 3. The changes include the return of physical turn signal stalks, a new front bumper camera, a brake-by-wire system, and a coated glass roof.
Tesla Model 3 To Get Refreshed Updates
Elon Musk has always wanted Tesla cars to look like the future arrived early and ready. For him, design comes before logical ease of use, and Tesla customers do not always like this. At times, it has even caused trouble with safety regulators.
One popular example is the retractable door handles, as they are not real handles. Instead, they are just buttons that trigger an electronic release of the door lock.
The idea does look sleek, but it comes with its risks. In a crash or fire, the system may fail or easily confuse people in any such emergency. This concern even led to an investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Another bold move was removing the turn signal and drive stalks. Tesla started this with the 2021 Model S and Model X refresh. These cars also switched from a round steering wheel to a yoke. The yoke looked futuristic, but let’s be honest, it was super awkward to use.
Model 3 Worldwide Updates
Without a steer-by-wire system, sharp turns and tight corners became harder and harder. Still, the biggest frustration for many drivers was the missing stalks. Tesla replaced them with small touch buttons on the wheel. Some drivers adjusted, but many found them annoying.
Rumor: Model 3 upgrades coming
– turn signal stalk
– bumper cam
– brake by wire
– coated glass roof
Basically catching up with Y/YL upgrades. Coming in China in October, other regions unknown— Kelvin Yang (@KelvinYang7) September 21, 2025
To this day, it remains one of Tesla’s most unpopular design changes. With the latest rumors of upgrades to these features, Tesla might regain its customers’ trust. Here are the important rumored updates:
Front Camera For Better View
Tesla is adding a front bumper camera. The old front camera, mounted on the windshield, could not see right in front of the car. This made parking and tight turns harder. The new camera fixes that blind spot and will also help with Full Self-Driving in the future.
Turn Signal Stalks Are Coming Back
Tesla is bringing back physical stalks for turn signals. In 2024, the Model 3 dropped them for touch buttons on the wheel. Many drivers disliked the change. The new stalks will work like the refreshed Model Y, keeping things simple and easy.
Brake-By-Wire System
Tesla is going to add brake-by-wire. Instead of hydraulics, it is now going to use electronic controls. This will make braking smoother, help with regenerative braking, and reduce parts. Drivers may not really notice the change, but it will improve overall efficiency.
Coated Glass Roof
The Model 3 already has a glass roof. The new coated version blocks more heat and UV rays. This keeps the cabin cooler, saves energy on air conditioning, and makes the car more comfortable in hot weather.
Retrofit Options
Some updates may be offered as retrofits. In China, Tesla already sells a kit to add stalks for about $350. Camera retrofits are less certain since they need wiring and software updates. Still, Tesla has offered such programs before, so it’s possible.
Tesla Gets Approval In Europe
According to another post on X, Tesla has certified the change for the Model 3 in Europe. European safety groups like Euro NCAP have criticized the use of touch buttons for key functions such as turn signals. This pressure likely pushed Tesla to rethink its design.
The change began in August with new Model 3s in China, and Tesla even offered a retrofit for older refreshed cars. Since the Model 3 sold in Europe comes from Giga Shanghai, it was expected that European cars would also get the stalk.
Tesla #Model3 #ModelY #VC48 changes leaked 😉
▶️Model Y Performance 2025 registered
▶️New VIN-decoder table
▶️Model 3 front bumper camera approval
▶️Model 3 indicator stalk approval
▶️Model 3 updated steering wheel (no indicators)
▶️Model Y LR AWD #LG5M out of Grünheide approved pic.twitter.com/1Sons5ytTC— eivissa⚡🔋🚁🌱🤘🇪🇺 (@eivissacopter) September 15, 2025
The stalk removal was especially unpopular in Europe, but it is less clear how U.S. customers feel about it. Some Tesla fans liked the new button setup, but most drivers were annoyed as they were used to stalks for decades.
For them, the change was simply against the usual convenient norm of driving. It would be interesting to see how Americans see the change, as it’s still unknown if U.S. Model 3s will get stalks back.
Bottomline
Tesla’s rumored updates to the Model 3 include much-awaited turn signal stalks and a front bumper camera. Already rolling out first in China, these changes show Tesla is listening to customers while preparing for the future.
