2015 Tesla MODEL S
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2015 Tesla MODEL S has 1053 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.8x the segment average of 276. The most common issue is electrical problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: 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.. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 11 fire reports filed.
1053
Total Complaints
9
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
3.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
266 complaints- • 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.
- • WHILE USING THE AUTOPILOT ON A BUSY I-80 FREEWAY IN SAN FRANCISCO. I WAS DRIVING SOUTH AND IN THE MIDDLE LANE TRYING TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE INTO THE LEFT LANE. I HIT THE SPEED ADJUSTER KNOB INSTEAD OF THE TURN SIGNAL, THIS AUTOMATICALLY INCREASES THE SPEED OF THE CAR WITHOUT INTENDING TO PERFORM SU
- • ELECTRONIC PARKING, WHILE PARKING THE AUTOMOBILE IN THE GARAGE I PRESSED THE PARKING OPTION. THE AUTOMOBILE SURGED, RAMMED THE GARAGE, BACKED UP AND RAMMED THE GARAGE AGAIN AND CAREENED BACKWARDS INTO THE STREET.
“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.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2015 Tesla MODEL S
Based on 716 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 51K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
SUSPENSION
SPEED CONTROL
STEERING
BRAKES
AIR BAGS
ELECTRICAL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (9)
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2015 Tesla MODEL S
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2015 Tesla MODEL S
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Tesla MODEL S Service Intervals
EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K
These are the terms for a new Tesla. If you're buying a used 2015 MODEL S, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Tesla dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2015 Tesla MODEL S
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 1053 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THE CAR WAS BEING SLOWLY PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A BANK WHEN IT EXPECTANTLY ACCELERATED. IT JUMPED A CURB, PASSED THOUGH SHRUBS, CLIPPED A TREE, AND WAS ABLE TO BE STEERED AWAY FROM A LIGHT POLE. IT CAME TO REST HALF INTO THE ROAD. THERE WERE SKID MARKS FROM THE ATTEMPTED BRAKING THAT WERE P
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: 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 WE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: 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, W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Tesla MODEL S — Year Comparison
How does 2015 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 1053
- Recalls
- 9
- Fire reports
- 11
- Crash reports
- 90
- Injury reports
- 27
- Segment avg
- 276
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2015 Tesla MODEL S