Warning: My Experience with Teslaunch's S3 HUD Gear Shift Stalk Kit — Poor Quality, False Advertising, and Zero Support
If you're a Tesla owner looking to enhance your Model Y Juniper or Model 3 Highland, you may have seen the S3 HUD Gear Shift Stalk Kit sold by Teslaunch.net. It's advertised as an OEM-style upgrade that adds a physical gear shift stalk and heads-up display (HUD), supposedly restoring the intuitive control that Tesla removed from newer models.
The marketing looks great: sleek design, clean integration, "precision craftsmanship," and claims of a perfect fit for 2025+ Teslas. Unfortunately, the reality couldn't be more different.
After buying directly from Teslaunch, the product took a month to arrive, broke almost immediately, and the seller completely ghosted me afterward. Here's what happened — and why I strongly recommend not buying this product.
It Started with False Advertising
Originally, I tried to purchase a different gear shift stalk kit from Teslaunch that was clearly labeled on their website as compatible with the 2025 Model Y Juniper. After placing the order, Teslaunch contacted me directly and said that the item I bought was not actually compatible with the 2025 model — despite their own advertising claiming that it was.
Instead of correcting their misleading listing, they simply told me to cancel that purchase and buy a "newer" version that supposedly worked for my model year — the S3 HUD Gear Shift Stalk Kit for Tesla Model Y Juniper (2025+) / Model 3 Highland (2024+).
Wanting to do the right thing, I followed their instructions and ordered the newer model. That ended up being a big mistake.
The "2026 Model Y" Excuse — When It's Actually a 2025 Car
When I contacted Teslaunch about the broken stalk, their response was absolutely absurd. They told me:
"Model Y Juniper 2025+ OEM Style Gear Shift Stalk Kit. Please note that this product is currently not compatible with the 2026 Model Y Juniper US Long Range All-Wheel Drive Version."
There is no 2026 Model Y. My car is a 2025 Model Y Juniper — the exact model their product is advertised for. This appears to be a pre-written excuse they use to deny responsibility when their product inevitably fails.
It's a classic deflection tactic: blame a non-existent model year to avoid admitting their product is defective. If they're already preparing excuses for future model years that don't exist yet, that tells you everything about their confidence in their own product.
The Purchase and Delivery
The total price for the S3 HUD kit was split into two disclosed payments — $239.00 and $55.99, both part of the same order. I wasn't thrilled about the split, but at least it was transparent. The real issue was what came afterward.
Because of the mix-up with the earlier incompatible version, the process stretched out over about a month before I finally received the correct item. Shipping delays can happen with overseas sellers, so I didn't think too much of it at the time. I was just relieved to finally have the product in hand — until I actually tried it.
The Installation Process — Confusing and Contradictory Instructions
Installation should have been straightforward based on Teslaunch's marketing claims of "plug-and-play" with no rewiring or drilling needed. However, the instructions were terrible.
Teslaunch provides both a video tutorial on their website and written instructions — but they don't match. The video shows one installation method while the written guide describes something completely different. This inconsistency made it unclear which approach was correct, adding unnecessary confusion to what should have been a simple installation.
Despite the poor instructions, I managed to get it installed. The build quality looked decent at first glance — though the material felt lighter than I expected for a part meant to handle physical shifting.
After connecting the cables and testing the HUD, everything initially seemed fine. The display turned on, the gear indicator lit up, and I thought the long wait and confusing instructions had been worth it.
That optimism lasted only a few minutes.
Post-Installation Problems — Clicking Sounds and Trim Damage
Shortly after installation, I started hearing clicking sounds coming from the steering column area. This wasn't normal — my Tesla had never made these noises before installing the Teslaunch kit.
The clicking appears to be caused by trim pieces not going back correctly after the troublesome installation process. Between the contradictory instructions and the need to disassemble parts of the steering column area, something clearly didn't reassemble properly.
Now I'll need to take my car to Tesla for repairs — adding even more cost and inconvenience on top of the $295 I already wasted on this defective product. The irony is that I was trying to improve my Tesla experience, and instead this accessory has damaged my car and created new problems that require professional repair.
Immediate Failure — The Stalk Snapped in Half
During normal use — not rough handling, not over-tightening — the gear shift stalk literally snapped in half. It wasn't a minor crack; it completely sheared through. The inside revealed cheap, hollow plastic instead of any solid or reinforced structure.
This wasn't user error or installation mistake — it was a fundamental design flaw. The product simply wasn't built to handle its intended function.
Once it broke, the entire system became unsafe and unusable. The stalk broke completely off — not just cracked or loose, but completely separated from the mounting point. For a product tied directly to vehicle controls, that's unacceptable and dangerous.
Contacting Teslaunch — and Getting Ghosted
Immediately after it broke, I emailed Teslaunch's customer support using their official contact form and address listed on their website. I included detailed photos, order numbers, and an explanation of what happened.
I received no reply.
I followed up multiple times — still no response. No acknowledgment, no ticket number, not even an automated message. Teslaunch simply ghosted me completely after taking my money.
Their website claims to have a 30-day return policy and states that customers can contact them within seven days for defective or damaged items. Those policies are meaningless if the company refuses to respond.
Why I Refused to Return It
Some might say, "Just send it back for a refund." But that's not possible or reasonable in this case.
- The item is broken and unsafe, making it impossible to return in "original condition" as their policy demands.
- The return address is in China, meaning shipping alone would cost a significant amount and require export paperwork.
- Most importantly, Teslaunch never replied — I couldn't return it even if I wanted to, since they provided no instructions or RMA authorization.
I'm not willing to spend more money shipping a shattered, unsafe product overseas to a company that already refuses to communicate.
Filing a PayPal Dispute
Since Teslaunch ignored every message, I opened a PayPal dispute to try to recover my money. Because the purchase was split into two separate charges ($239 and $55.99), I had to file for both.
PayPal refunded one transaction correctly, but the split structure caused confusion with the second one — I had to clarify that both charges were for the same defective product. It's an unnecessary headache caused entirely by Teslaunch's unprofessional checkout setup.
The fact that I had to escalate this through PayPal at all says everything about Teslaunch's customer service.
Build Quality and Safety Concerns
Beyond the terrible customer service, the product quality is dangerously poor. The stalk is made of thin, fragile plastic with zero reinforcement. The internal mechanism doesn't match the robust feel of genuine Tesla components — it feels more like a 3D-printed prototype than a finished retail part.
This is not a harmless decorative accessory; it's a mechanical control that affects your ability to drive safely. A snapped stalk could easily distract you or interfere with the steering column area. It's completely unacceptable for something marketed as a "precision OEM-style upgrade."
Misleading Marketing and Empty Policies
Teslaunch's marketing makes the S3 HUD kit look professional and reliable, complete with polished product photos and glowing feature lists. But the actual unit feels nothing like what's advertised.
Their so-called "30-day return policy" is effectively useless — it only applies if the item is unused, undamaged, and in its original packaging. That means if the product fails during use (as mine did), you're left with no protection whatsoever.
Combine that with zero communication from their support team, and it becomes clear this company isn't interested in customer satisfaction — just sales.
Final Verdict — Avoid This Product and Company
After everything I went through, I can confidently say: do not buy from Teslaunch.net.
- The product I first ordered was falsely advertised as compatible with 2025 Teslas.
- They told me to reorder a new version instead — which took a month to arrive.
- That "correct" version broke immediately after installation.
- I contacted them multiple times and was completely ignored.
- Their return policy is meaningless, and their materials are cheap and unsafe.
This entire experience was a waste of time and money, and it highlights the risks of buying complex vehicle components from small overseas sellers with no accountability.
Advice for Tesla Owners
If you're considering any aftermarket Tesla accessories or upgrades:
- Stick with reputable brands that have verified reviews and responsive support.
- Be cautious with overseas sellers — refunds and returns are nearly impossible when things go wrong.
- Document everything (emails, order numbers, product photos) from day one.
- Always pay via PayPal or credit card so you can dispute if necessary.
- Avoid trusting flashy marketing — real quality is proven through reputation, not photos.
Conclusion
The S3 HUD Gear Shift Stalk Kit from Teslaunch may look impressive online, but in practice, it's an overpriced, fragile, and unsafe product backed by nonexistent customer service.
It took a month to get it, it broke instantly, and I was ghosted when I asked for help. That's not just bad service — that's a scam-adjacent business model.
If you value your money, your time, and your car's safety, avoid Teslaunch and this product at all costs.