2015 Tesla Model s problems
The Tesla Model S is a battery electric executive car with a liftback body style built by Tesla, Inc. since 2012. The Model S features a battery-powered dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive layout.
Development of the Model S began prior to 2007, under the codename "WhiteStar". The Model S was officially announced on June 30, 2008, and a prototype vehicle was unveiled in March 2009. The Model S debuted on June 22, 2012. A revised, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, known as the 60D, debuted on October 9, 2014. The 60D was followed by the 70D, which made dual-motor and all-wheel drive the standard, followed by the 85D, P85D, and P90D. Along with these updates, Tesla offered the Autopilot driving assistance system. The first major design refresh came in April 2016 when the Model S was updated with a new front hood design. In October of the same year, hardware became standard that supports Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) capability. As part of the update, integrated standard cameras around the car were added. In February 2017 the Tesla Model S P100D debuted, which included a revised motor and was the first electric vehicle to have an EPA estimated range exceeding 300 miles (483 km). The second major design refresh, codenamed "Palladium", was introduced in June 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.
The Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in Norway, in September and December 2013 and in Denmark in December 2015. Sales passed 250,000 units in September 2018. The Model S was the top-selling plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3. Upon its release, the Model S received positive reviews, with praise for its acceleration and range, although initial models received criticism for their high cost and braking issues.
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Common 2015 Tesla Model s problems
The Tesla Model S, introduced in 2012, has been a groundbreaking electric vehicle with its high-performance capabilities, sleek design, and innovative technology:
- Door Handle Issues: The most reported problem with the 2015 Tesla Model S is related to the door handles. Some owners have reported that the door handles have stopped working, requiring replacement. The average cost to fix this issue is around $2,700, with an average mileage of 53,000 miles.
- Electrical Problems: The 2015 Tesla Model S has experienced various electrical issues, including problems with the climate control, steering, and suspension systems. Some owners have reported faulty electric motors that needed replacement, warped brake discs, and door handles that fail to pop out as a driver approaches.
- Exterior Accessories Problems: The 2015 Tesla Model S has faced issues with exterior accessories, such as the sensor and doors. Some owners have reported suspension failure around 50,000 miles, battery failure from the coolant and heater malfunctioning, and exterior accessory issues from the sensor and doors.
- Interior Accessories Problems: The 2015 Tesla Model S has faced issues with interior accessories, including problems with the vehicle display screen. Some owners have reported that the display screen has malfunctioned, causing inconvenience and requiring repair.
- Transmission Problems: The 2015 Tesla Model S has experienced transmission problems, with some owners reporting issues related to the transmission system. These problems can be costly to repair, with an average cost of around $800 and an average mileage of 59,000 miles.
- AC & Heater Problems: The 2015 Tesla Model S has faced issues with the air conditioning and heating systems, with some owners reporting problems related to the climate control system. These problems can be costly to repair, with an average cost of around $800 and an average mileage of 59,000 miles.
- Suspension Problems: The 2015 Tesla Model S has experienced suspension problems, with some owners reporting issues related to the suspension system. These problems can be costly to repair, with an average cost of around $800 and an average mileage of 59,000 miles.
- Battery Degradation: The 2015 Tesla Model S has experienced battery degradation, with some owners reporting a loss of battery capacity over time. This issue is expected due to the nature of electric vehicle batteries, but it can impact the car's range and performance.
In summary, the 2015 Tesla Model S has faced several common problems, including issues with the door handles, electrical systems, exterior accessories, interior accessories, transmission, AC & heater, suspension, and battery degradation. While these issues can be costly to repair, many of them are covered under the car's regular 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. However, it is essential to be aware of these issues and their potential costs when considering purchasing a used 2015 Tesla Model S.
How long does a 2015 Tesla Model S battery last?
about 300,000 to 500,000 miles
A battery is the most expensive component of a Tesla (or any electric vehicle). So before you consider getting one, you probably want to know how long a Tesla battery lasts. A Tesla battery goes approximately 303 to 405 miles on a full charge and is reported to last about 300,000 to 500,000 miles over its lifespan.
Is Tesla S model reliable?
We expect the 2024 Model S will be less reliable than the average new car.
What are the disadvantages of Tesla Model S?
Cons: Charging your car at home results in an electricity bill that is not as cheap as I had anticipated. The registration costs are over $1,000, significantly higher compared to the $200 registration fee for my previous car. The car insurance costs considerably more as well.
What is the best year for Tesla Model S?
Overall, the Tesla Model S is not a very reliable selection if you care about dependability. If you get the car, we recommend the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 options for the best results. We hope this information is beneficial!
2015 Tesla Model s complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Tesla Model s.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2015 Tesla Model s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 2015 Tesla Model s.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla Motors, Inc.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla Motors, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2015 Tesla Model s car reviews
Positive 2015 Tesla Model s car reviews
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I was recently considering purchasing a new Tesla Model 3. There were a lot of unknown factors to consider, such as cost, wait time, availability of federal tax incentives, and the inability to test drive the car. Additionally, since there haven't yet been enough resales of Model 3's, leasing is not an option. However, after looking at a Model 3 in one of the Tesla showrooms, I still decided to plunk down my $1,000 reservation and explore the Tesla website to learn more about the cars. On the website, I found a list of used Teslas, including the 2015 Model S 85 that I ultimately purchased. The car is in flawless condition and is trimmed with deep blue paint, deluxe leather seats, sunroof, front console, Tech Package with Autopilot and Audio Package. It also came with what appears to be a new charger cable pack, warranty, unlimited Supercharging and AT&T connectivity. My loaded 2015 Model S 85 was roughly the same price as a new, well-trimmed, long-range Model 3 (before tax incentives, for which I may or may not have been eligible). One downside is that the 2015 does not have the hardware to add autonomous driving capability when it becomes available. However, the driving experience of the Model S is like no other car I have ever driven, and I am extremely pleased with my purchase decision.
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I bought this car brand new back in 2015 and after 4 years and 100,000 miles, we still absolutely love it! It's still just as quick and fun to drive as the day we got it. The old autopilot feature is especially wonderful for long trips on the interstate and has even saved us from a few potential accidents. As a bit of a tech geek, I'm definitely eyeing the new Model 3, but since my family and I enjoy car camping and traveling with a Cello, we're leaning towards keeping our trusty Model S...
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This is definitely the best car I have ever owned and I would definitely buy another. I'm even thinking about buying the Tesla X when I get rid of my Mercedes SUV. It's still, without a doubt, the best car I have ever owned. Posted on 5/18/17.
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You can now take advantage of Tesla's newly introduced leasing program. I recently got my first EV and so far, it's been pretty good. However, there are a few exceptions such as key fob issues and common finger prints on materials like door handles, interior doors, and the glove box. But if you can afford it, I highly recommend getting it! I personally opted for the 70D and received it on 09/28/15. I also had a 240/50 amp outlet installed facing my driveway, so no more gas stations for me! In time, I will provide a more extensive review.
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Driving an all-electric vehicle may take some getting used to compared to a gasoline car, but once you do, you'll never want to go back. When considering the cost of repairs, it's important to note that this car has mostly aluminum construction, which keeps it light but can be more expensive to repair. If you are far from a service center, services and repairs could be a hassle. It's worth noting that if you dislike or struggle with new things, this car may not be for you. On the other hand, the safety features of this car are impressive. In a recent accident, my wife was hit by another driver who ran a red light at an estimated 40-50mph. Although the Tesla was declared a total loss, my wife survived the accident, which may not have been the case in most other cars. Additionally, driving an electric car means no more dirty fuel (assuming your local utility provides you with clean energy). The proactive service provided by Tesla is also a plus. The car communicates with Tesla all the time, and if there's a problem, Tesla service will proactively contact you to pick up the car and provide you with a loaner. If you have kids, you'll appreciate the remote monitoring feature, which allows you to see where they are, how fast they are driving, lock/unlock the car, and pre-cool/heat the car before you use it. Charging is easy at home and free while you travel out of your city using their supercharger network. By the time you finish your meal, the battery (which will give you realistically at least 240 miles range vs 265 EPA range) is nearly full again. With Tesla, there are no pesky dealerships or negotiating. You can buy online and ask for help from sales or service centers. Tesla is known for their great modern service, and they are always accommodating to fix defects and make their customers happy.About me - I've owned Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Audi in the past. While I liked most of my cars, I never truly loved them. However, I must say that the Tesla team is absolutely awesome! *Update 18 months into ownership: I love the car just as much as when I first got it. *Update after 3 years of ownership: I've had to deal with a couple of service-related issues over the last 12 months. One of my door handles ceased to function, and a software update bricked my car. But in both separate instances, Tesla came to my home and fixed the problem. They even provided me with a loaner free of charge when my car was bricked and they could not immediately fix the issue. I still love this car, and we bought a Model 3 earlier this year. We are now 100% free from fossil fuel. **Update Dec 2019: We still love the car even after 4 years of ownership. Since the last update, I've had another door handle break. It took a month to get that fixed. They just added another service center near me, but it still takes too long in this area (SoCal) to get the car serviced. Update 66 months / 70,000 miles: The car remains awesome. The worst part is the battery degradation (which is expected). I'm now at 90% of its original capacity using a lot of supercharging. Update 96 months later / 90,000 miles: I still love it. All the handles have now been replaced. I'm buying another Model S and transferring unlimited supercharging. B
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2015 Tesla Model s problems:
I'm thinking about getting a used 2015 Tesla Model S 90D for ...
Jul 30, 2023 ... Most of the issues with the early Model S vehicles were ironed out by 2015. The HV Battery may be the only cause for concern. While the ...
What are some common Tesla Model S problems and how much do ...
May 22, 2023 ... The main issue with Teslas and all EVs (Electric Vehicles) is that the range can change noticeably with conditions. This can cause you to need ...
Problems with my MS 2015 P85D, need as much info as possible ...
Aug 25, 2022 ... Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More. Register.
If I were to buy a ten-year-old Tesla Model S, would I be jumping into ...
Jul 8, 2023 ... It depends on the current condition of the car. The older Model S has well known battery issues, and Tesla knew about them while they were ...
2015 Model S 85D - New Owner | Tesla Motors Club
Jun 6, 2023 ... I would hand-wavily say these are some of the more common problems that people have seen on the 2015 S85D. I'm not going to try to summarize ...
Other years of Tesla Model s
Are you having problems with your 2015 Tesla Model s?
Hipolito Hyatt 2025-06-13
We had a few issues with our brand new Tesla car, but overall it has some great features. The heating system didn't work initially and we had to take it to the dealership twice, which wasn't the most enjoyable experience. We also had some trouble with the snow chains cutting the car, but we later found out that it was because we didn't use the recommended Tesla snow chains (which were unfortunately out of stock at the time). Despite these issues, we appreciate the car's acceleration and eco-friendliness. The interior design could use some improvements, such as more storage space on the doors and better-placed cup holders, but the control screen is very nice. We do want to note that the battery range may not always be as advertised, but this is likely due to factors such as traffic. Overall, we are happy with our purchase and look forward to enjoying our Tesla for years to come!It's also quite spacious and has plenty of storage, including the Frunk. Overall, it's a good car. However, if you're used to driving a regular gas car, you may experience some discomfort on long trips. Additionally, with the current quality issues, it may be necessary to have an extra car at home to drive while your car is at the service center.
Jarrett Muller 2024-08-19
I'm glad to hear that the issue with the entry/key fob was resolved by replacing the battery. It's surprising that a new luxury car would come with a nearly dead battery, but I'm sure it was just an oversight. It's important for everyone involved in the production and distribution of these cars to ensure that they are of the highest quality. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Leland Grady 2024-04-01
On Wednesday, while driving on the I-8 E freeway, my car suddenly shut down with a warning. I pulled over to the divider area, but all power was lost, including the ability to open the trunk or use the air conditioning. Despite having 145 miles left to go, I had to call for road emergency assistance to tow my car to the Tesla service center for repairs. While this was a safety hazard, I am confident that Tesla will address the issue promptly. I have taken pictures of the problem and would like to know where I can upload them. Thank you.