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2015 Tesla Model S

Verified August 31, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

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Safety
not rated
Recalls
9
on record
MPG
combined

Heavily recalled

9 safety recalls on record. Confirm with the seller that every campaign has been completed.

Vehicle Summary

2015 Tesla Model S

9 recalls
0 complaints

Before You Buy

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No complaint on record reports a crash
Review the 0 owner complaints on record
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Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
9
Owner complaints
0
Complaints citing a crash
0

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalized by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

9 Recalls on Record

These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.

  • 19V002000high

    Airbag system issue

    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 17V260000high

    Brake system issue

    PARKING BRAKE

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 18V204000high

    Steering issue

    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 15V780000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEAT BELTS:FRONT

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V035000high

    Backup camera software issue

    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V00B000high

    Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch

    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 23V838000high

    Electrical issue

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V051000high

    Electrical issue

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V376000high

    Lighting issue

    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

    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.

    Full campaign record

NHTSA crash-test ratings

NHTSA holds no crash-test rating for this model year.

Not every model year is tested. A missing rating is not a poor rating.

Fuel economy & emissions

The EPA holds no fuel-economy record for this model year.

The EPA does not publish a record for every model year.

Consumer complaints

No owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year.

Nothing on file. Newer model years often have few complaints simply because fewer cars are on the road yet.

Safety timeline

Every dated recall and NHTSA investigation for the 2015 Tesla Model S, newest first.

  1. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP23001

    Defect Petition Interlock Request

  2. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE20020

    Fore Link Failure

  3. Recall

    Recall 24V376000

    A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

  4. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation EA20003

    Loss of rearview camera

  5. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation EA22002

    Autopilot System Driver Controls

  6. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation RQ24009

    Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

  7. Recall

    Recall 24V051000

    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.

  8. Recall

    Recall 23V838000

    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.

  9. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  10. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP23002

    Sudden Unintended Acceleration

  11. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP23001

    Defect Petition Interlock Request

  12. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP22005

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  13. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation EA22002

    Autopilot System Driver Controls

  14. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE21020

    Autopilot & First Responder Scenes

  15. Recall

    Recall 21V00B000

    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.

  16. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP19005

    Battery Management Software Updates

  17. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation EA21002

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  18. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE21020

    Autopilot & First Responder Scenes

  19. Recall

    Recall 21V035000

    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.

  20. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP20001

    Sudden Unintended Acceleration

  21. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE20010

    Loss of rearview camera

  22. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE20020

    Fore Link Failure

  23. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation EA20003

    Loss of rearview camera

  24. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE20010

    Loss of rearview camera

  25. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP20001

    Sudden Unintended Acceleration

  26. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation DP19005

    Battery Management Software Updates

  27. Recall

    Recall 19V002000

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  28. Recall

    Recall 18V204000

    Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

  29. Recall

    Recall 17V260000

    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.

  30. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE16007

    Automatic vehicle control systems

  31. Investigation opened

    NHTSA opened investigation PE16007

    Automatic vehicle control systems

  32. Recall

    Recall 15V780000

    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.

Dates are the NHTSA report-received date for recalls and the ODI open/close date for investigations. Crash-test ratings are not shown here because the source does not provide a reliable publication date for them.

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Unknown
Drive type
Unknown
Engine
0L 0-cyl
Fuel type
Unknown
Transmission
Unknown
Seats
0

Explore related

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation DP23001

    Defect Petition Interlock Request

  2. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation PE20020

    Fore Link Failure

  3. Recall

    Recall 24V376000

    A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

  4. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation EA20003

    Loss of rearview camera

  5. Investigation closed

    NHTSA closed investigation EA22002

    Autopilot System Driver Controls