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 amazing - sleek design, clean integration, "precision craftsmanship," and they claim it's a perfect fit for 2025+ Teslas. But honestly, 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 went ahead and followed their instructions, ordering the newer model. That ended up being a huge mistake.
The "2026 Model Y" Excuse — When It's Actually a 2025 Car
When I reached out to Teslaunch about the broken stalk, their response was absolutely ridiculous. Here's what 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 model year that doesn't even exist to avoid admitting their product is defective. I mean, if they're already making excuses for future models that aren't even real yet, that pretty much tells you everything you need to know about how confident they are 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 terrible instructions, I actually managed to get it installed. The build quality looked pretty decent at first glance — but the material felt way lighter than I'd expected for something that's supposed to handle all that physical shifting.
After I connected the cables and tested the HUD, everything seemed to work perfectly at first. The display came on, the gear indicator lit up, and I actually thought all that waiting and those 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 a botched installation — it was actually a fundamental design flaw. The product just wasn't built to handle what it was supposed to do.
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 people might tell you, "Just send it back for a refund." But that's not really an option here.
- 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 won't even talk to me.
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 no problem, but the split structure made the second one a total mess — I actually had to explain that both charges were for the same defective product. It's just an unnecessary headache that wouldn't have happened if Teslaunch had a professional checkout setup.
Having to escalate this through PayPal really tells you everything you need to know 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 really makes the S3 HUD kit look professional and reliable - you know, with those polished product photos and all those glowing feature lists. But when you actually get the unit in your hands, it feels nothing like what they're advertising.
Their "30-day return policy" is basically worthless — it only works if you haven't actually used the item and it's still in perfect condition with all the original packaging. So if the product breaks when you're actually using it, like mine did, you're completely out of luck.
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 whole thing was just a complete waste of time and money. It really shows you the risks you're taking when you buy complicated car parts from small overseas sellers who basically have zero accountability.
Advice for Tesla Owners
If you're thinking about getting some 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 might look pretty impressive when you're browsing online, but here's the reality - it's overpriced, breaks easily, and honestly isn't safe to use. And don't even get me started on their customer service, because it basically doesn't exist.
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.