2015 Tesla Model S: common problems and reliability

The 2015 Tesla Model S has 2588 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and suspension. Owners most often flag poor long-term reliability (older models): multiple expensive failures per year out of warranty, including door handles, trunk latches, 12v battery systems, infotainment screens, and suspension components (control arms). frequency: very frequent (for older models).

Safety record for the 2015 model year

2,588
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
280
Crash reports
44
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2015 Tesla Model S vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2015 a good year for the Model S?

Across the 7 Model S model years we track, complaint volume runs from 59 (2012) to 2,588 (2015). With 2,588 complaints, the 2015 Model S sits abovethe model's median of 364.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

electrical system
1024
suspension
588
steering
204
exterior lighting
176
vehicle speed control
160

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by vehicle generation. Long-term owners of older models (specifically pre-2021, with mentions of a 2015 model) report severe dissatisfaction with long-term reliability and ownership costs,…

  • Poor long-term reliability (older models): Multiple expensive failures per year out of warranty, including door handles, trunk latches, 12V battery systems, infotainment screens, and suspension components (control arms). Frequency: very frequent (for older models).
  • Full Self-Driving (FSD) / Autopilot system flaws: Phantom braking, unreliable object detection due to cameras-only sensor suite, hard braking for shadows, erratic lane changes, and general inability to be trusted without constant supervision. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Model S. See the full Model S owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Model S listings typically run $16,795–$31,876 across 2012 to 2023 model years.

Other Model S model years

Compare every Model S year side by side to see how 2015 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Model S against its rivals