Vehicle Guide

2015 Tesla Model S Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2015 Tesla Model S, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2015 Tesla Model S is a full-size all-electric luxury sedan known for strong acceleration, a spacious cabin, and long-distance usability thanks to the Supercharger network. It’s ideal for drivers who want premium comfort and tech-forward features without gasoline, especially commuters and families who value cargo room and quiet driving. This model year sits within the first-generation Model S run (introduced for 2012), benefiting from ongoing software updates and incremental hardware improvements rather than a full redesign. In the used EV market, the 2015 Model S is often positioned as a high-performance, high-tech alternative to traditional luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.

Key Features

1) All-electric performance and range: The 2015 Model S delivers instant torque for quick acceleration, with range varying widely by version and battery size. Many 2015 models are associated with the 70/70D, 85/85D, and Performance variants (often P85D), offering everything from balanced efficiency to supercar-like launches. 2) Dual-motor all-wheel drive availability: “D” models add a second motor for AWD traction and improved all-weather confidence, along with strong passing power at highway speeds. 3) Large touchscreen interface and over-the-air updates: A large center display manages navigation, climate, media, and vehicle settings, and Tesla’s software updates can add features or refine functionality over time. 4) Practical luxury sedan packaging: The Model S is a five-door hatchback-style sedan with a roomy trunk, available front trunk (frunk), and fold-down rear seating, making it surprisingly versatile for road trips and family use. 5) Advanced driver aids (varies by build): Many 2015 cars were equipped with Autopilot hardware depending on build date and options, offering driver-assist features that can improve long-distance comfort when used responsibly.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers researching 2015 Tesla Model S problems, 2015 Tesla Model S reliability, and 2015 Tesla Model S common issues should know that this car can be very satisfying long-term, but it has several repeat complaints to watch for—especially on higher-mileage examples. 1) Door handle failures: Retracting/presenting door handles can stop working due to microswitches, wiring, or motor/gear issues. This is one of the most commonly reported inconveniences, sometimes showing up anywhere from 30,000 to 80,000 miles depending on use and climate. 2) MCU (center screen) and infotainment glitches: Some owners report slow, freezing, or blank center screens and related infotainment issues. Symptoms may start gradually (laggy navigation, reboot loops) and become more frequent with age, often appearing after years of heat exposure and heavy use. 3) Suspension and steering wear noises: Clunks, creaks, or uneven tire wear can be linked to worn control arm bushings/ball joints or alignment issues. These complaints are more common on cars driven on rough roads or with larger wheels, and can show up in the 50,000 to 100,000 mile range. 4) Battery/charging-related concerns (less common but important): Most 2015 packs hold up well, but buyers should watch for reduced range, charging limitations, or warnings that indicate a battery or high-voltage component needs attention. Cold-weather use, frequent fast charging, and overall age can influence degradation, so verifying real-world range is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for Your Complete 2015 Tesla Model S Guide?

Get detailed specs, maintenance schedules, fluid capacities, and service records.