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U.S. public vehicle records

2015 Tesla MODEL S: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

667 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

49,240 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2015 model year. Data snapshot: . 455 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 261 of 667 complaints (39.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues8312.4%
Steering behavior6910.3%
Braking behavior6710.0%
Transmission and shifting60.9%
Engine operation30.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
261
Unknown Or Other
189
Suspension
149
Steering
51
Exterior Lighting
44
Vehicle Speed Control
40
Fuel/Propulsion System
32
Visibility/Wiper
31
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System261
Unknown Or Other189
Suspension149
Steering51
Exterior Lighting44
Vehicle Speed Control40
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Visibility/Wiper31

Electrical System: 261; Unknown Or Other: 189; Suspension: 149; Steering: 51; Exterior Lighting: 44; Vehicle Speed Control: 40; Fuel/Propulsion System: 32; Visibility/Wiper: 31

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
121
25,000 to 49,999
110
50,000 to 74,999
124
75,000 to 99,999
60
100,000 to 149,999
34
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,000121
25,000 to 49,999110
50,000 to 74,999124
75,000 to 99,99960
100,000 to 149,99934
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 121; 25,000 to 49,999: 110; 50,000 to 74,999: 124; 75,000 to 99,999: 60; 100,000 to 149,999: 34; 150,000 and above: 6

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (124). 212 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2015
8
2016
52
2017
36
2018
21
2019
47
2020
284
2021
80
2022
43
2023
42
2024
27
2025
17
2026
10
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20158
201652
201736
201821
201947
2020284
202180
202243
202342
202427
202517
202610

2015: 8; 2016: 52; 2017: 36; 2018: 21; 2019: 47; 2020: 284; 2021: 80; 2022: 43; 2023: 42; 2024: 27; 2025: 17; 2026: 10

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 83 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 69 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 67 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10764853 · 2015-09-17 (September 17, 2015)

CAR WAS PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT . WHILE BACKING THE CAR, IT SPIN FAST OUT OF CONTROL EVEN THOUGH BACKING WAS STARTED AT A VERY SLOW SPEED . CAR STOPPED AFTER HITTING FOUR VEHICLES DIRECTLY, AND ONE OF THE VEHICLE HIT OTHER TWO VEHICLES. MAJOR DAMAGE ON THE TESLA CAR IS ON DRIVER SIDE AT BACK, WHERE IT HIT OTHER CARS. IT SPIN ALMOST 180 DEGREES FACING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. IT HIT THE CARS ON BOTH SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT LANE .IT ALL HAPPENED IN 2 TO 3 SECONDS. I WONDER, IF THERE IS AUTOMATIC CONTROL IN THE CAR SO THAT IT DOES NOT …

Owner-reported narrative. 2,140 miles reported. Look up ODI 10764853 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10779113 · 2015-10-01 (October 1, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10779113 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10782978 · 2015-10-16 (October 16, 2015)

THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA MODEL S AUTOPILOT SYSTEM WHICH HAS JUST BEEN RELEASED. DESPITE THE DISCLAIMER BY TESLA MOTORS THAT THIS SHOULD BE USED SAFELY WITH HANDS ON THE WHEEL IT IS CLEAR THAT OWNERS ARE NOT GETTING THE MESSAGE. THERE ARE MANY VIDEOS UP ON YOUTUBE SHOWING OWNERS DRIVING FOR LONG DISTANCES TOTALLY HANDS FREE WHILE PAYING LITTLE ATTENTION TO THE ROAD. HERE IS A YOUTUBE VIDEO ENTITLED TESLA AUTOPILOT TRIED TO KILL ME! HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=MRWXEX8QOXA HE IS USING AUTOPILOT ON AN UNDIVIDED ROAD HERE IS …

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10782978 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10783186 · 2015-10-18 (October 18, 2015)

PLEASE NOTE: I HAVE SUPPLIED THE VIN OF A DIFFERENT CAR IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO FILE THIS REPORT. I HAVE ALSO SUPPLIED A MADE UP ADDRESS BUT ONLY BECAUSE I NEEDED TO SO AS TO COMPLY WITH THE WEBSITE REQUIREMENTS. I HAVE REPORTED PREVIOUSLY THAT THE SUSPENSIONS OF THE TESLA MODEL S HAVE A DESIGN WEAKNESS. HERE IS FURTHER PROOF. THIS REPORT WAS POSTED ON THE TESLA MOTOR FORUM TODAY AND SHOWS A PHOTOGRAPH OF A CAR WHOSE SUSPENSION HAS COLLAPSED AFTER RUNNING OVER A POTHOLE. THIS POTHOLE WAS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO DAMAGE THE CAR, THE WHEEL OR THE T…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10783186 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10783859 · 2015-10-20 (October 20, 2015)

PLEASE NOTE I HAVE USED A FICTITIOUS ADDRESS TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE WEBSITE. I AM NOT A US RESIDENT, JUST A CONCERNED CITIZEN I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TESLA REAR SUSPENSION AND I AM FINDING SEVERAL CASE WHERE THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FAILED AND CAUSED A CRASH. THIS VEHICLE HAS CRASHED AND BURNED AND IS FOR SALE AS SALVAGE. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLES/VEHICLEDETAILS.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=19224036&ROWNUMBER=0&LOADRECENT=TRUE I HAVE ENLARGED THE IMAGES AND YOU CAN SEE THAT THE LH SUSPENSIO…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10783859 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10785214 · 2015-10-21 (October 21, 2015)

PLEASE DON'T THINK I AM MAKING FRIVOLOUS COMPLAINTS. THERE IS A PATTERN OF SUSPENSION FAILURES. THIS ONE HAS RESULTED IN A VERY SERIOUS CRASH. 2015 TESLA 70D IS FOR SALE AT SALVAGE COMPANY IAAI. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLES/VEHICLEDETAILS.ASPX?ITEMID=20460578&ROWNUMBER=2&LOADRECENT=TRUE IT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A MAJOR NOSE-TAIL CRASH. THE BACK WHEEL IS SKEWED OVER IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE OTHER DAMAGED CARS THAT I HAVE REPORTED TO YOU. THERE IS ZERO DAMAGE IN THAT AREA OF THE CAR AND NO REASON FOR THE WHEEL TO BE SKEWED LIKE THAT. …

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10785214 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10787423 · 2015-10-31 (October 31, 2015)

THIS CAR IS UP FOR SALE AS A SALVAGE WRECK. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=20015788&ROWID=2&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS COLLAPSED AND THE FRONT WHEEL HS BEEN SLICED IN HALF BY A SUSPENSION COMPONENT WHILST THE CAR WAS STILL IN MOTION. THE OTHER WHEELS ON THE CAR ARE SKEWED OR MISSING. SAME, WHEEL SLICED IN HALF EFFECT CAN BE SEEN ON THIS OTHER CAR WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY CAUGHT FIRE. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=19224036&ROWID=1&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS THERE ARE M…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10787423 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10810457 · 2015-12-15 (December 15, 2015)

ON THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 25, 2015, I WAS DRIVING INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. I WAS GOING TO PULL INTO ONE OF THOSE SPACES WHERE YOU CAN PARK PERPENDICULAR TO A SIDEWALK CURB AND THE SIDEWALK LEADS UP TO THE STORE FRONTS. WHEN APPROACHING THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR WAS ALREADY IN REGENERATIVE BRAKING MODE, AND ACCORDING TO TESLA'S LOGS, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 3.5 MPH. SINCE THE CAR HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO ROLL INTO THE SPACE ON ITS OWN, MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR OR THE BRAKE PEDAL. MY FOOT WAS UP RESTING ON ITS HEEL, READY T…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,458 miles reported. Look up ODI 10810457 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

15V780000 · Seat Belts:Front

Reported: 2015-11-23 (November 23, 2015)

Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.

Consequence: If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V260000 · Parking Brake

Reported: 2017-04-19 (April 19, 2017)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.

Consequence: If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V204000 · Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Reported: 2018-03-29 (March 29, 2018)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.

Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V002000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2019-01-07 (January 7, 2019)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-20-001.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V00B000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch

Reported: 2021-12-21 (December 21, 2021)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."

Consequence: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V035000 · Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | Back Over Prevention:Software

Reported: 2021-01-29 (January 29, 2021)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.

Consequence: The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V838000 · Electrical System:Adas:Driver Monitoring:Software

Reported: 2023-12-12 (December 12, 2023)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V051000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Reported: 2024-01-30 (January 30, 2024)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V376000 · Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/Devices

Reported: 2024-05-28 (May 28, 2024)

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

NHTSA campaign record ↗