2015 Tesla Model S problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 646 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Tesla Model S, filed between 2015-09-17 and 2025-08-05. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (256, 40%), suspension (147, 23%) and steering (51, 8%). Owners reported 69 crashes, 11 fires, 29 injuries and 4 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Tesla Model S complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 256 | 40% | 9 | 1 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 184 | 28% | 17 | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 147 | 23% | 30 | 6 | 16 |
| Steering | 51 | 8% | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 44 | 7% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 39 | 6% | 15 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 30 | 5% | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 29 | 4% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 29 | 4% | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 29 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 26 | 4% | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 21 | 3% | 8 | 0 | 6 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 20 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 16 | 2% | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine | 15 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 256 complaints
- 256 complaints of 646 (40%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 69 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 9 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 Tesla Model S; the latest, campaign 24V051000, says: “An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
Suspension: 147 complaints
- 147 complaints of 646 (23%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 20 of them also name the steering; owners reported 30 crashes, 6 fires, 16 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Steering: 51 complaints
- 51 complaints of 646 (8%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 20 of them also name the suspension; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Tesla Model S; the recall, campaign 18V204000, says: “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.”
Exterior lighting: 44 complaints
- 44 complaints of 646 (7%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 29 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 39 complaints
- 39 complaints of 646 (6%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 11 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 15 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 646 (5%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 14 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 52 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 46 |
| 2020 | 284 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 11 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MODEL S, MODEL S 60KWH, MODEL S 70D, MODEL S 85D, MODEL S 85KWH, MODEL S P85D, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Tesla Model S recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Tesla Model S?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Tesla Model S's most common problem areas are the electrical system (256 of 646 complaints), suspension (147 of 646 complaints) and steering (51 of 646 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Tesla Model S have?
NHTSA has 646 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Tesla Model S, including 69 reported crashes and 11 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S's problems?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2015 Tesla Model S; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.