2015 Tesla Model S fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 2, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Following a coolant rapid mate replacement performed by an authorized Tesla service center, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown on a public road the same evening it was returned. The high-voltage cooling system was not properly purged of air following the service. This caused low coolant flow to the rear drive unit during a 63-mile drive in record heat. The fault cascade included a HIGH VOLTAGE ISOLATION FAULT (BMS_f123), drive inverter warning (DI_w126), and…

   NHTSA complaint #11741500 · source
2. Filed Sep 11, 2025MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   was driving Tesla when warning light appeared “ charging declined “ . drove car home battery no longer charging . Tesla stopped working after only 68,000 miles . Tesla wanted $15000 to replace the battery more than the car is worth.

   NHTSA complaint #11686650 · source
3. Filed Apr 18, 2024TXElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The component that Tesla has stated is the part that is failing is the MCU (Media Control Unit) which was a recalled part at one point but then Tesla decided to replace only a single part of the MCU which was the eMMC (embedded MultiMedia Card). Luckily the vehicle was not driving when it completely shut down and would not start back up but I was stuck in a restaurants drive-thru for roughly 4 hours till I could get a tow truck to come tow it. The tow truck had to put the…

   NHTSA complaint #11583917 · source
4. Filed Dec 13, 2023CACrashTowedFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The Model S, which was bought in 2015, had a sudden acceleration while I was trying to park near the entrance gate of the parking lot. The accident happened on May 25, 2023. Fortunately, nobody got hurt and the car was totaled. I feel strongly that this should be investigated, as this can be a very serious public safety issue. It was inspected by the insurance company. There were no warning messages prior to the failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11560001 · source
5. Filed Jun 10, 2023CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionVisibility & Wipers

   My MCU (onboard computer system) glitched out and the screen began flickering. I lost all of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, navigation, music, phone link, sunroof venting, climate control, including defrost. The screen froze and I had no functions. This has happened 4 times, possibly a 5th time, while driving in the last 6000 miles. I put in a service request to Tesla and they ran a remote diagnosis, and told me that the old MCU1 is overwhelmed by the new software…

   NHTSA complaint #11526350 · source
6. Filed Nov 30, 2021KYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The car will issue a BMS_w035 warning which is connected to the battery heater failing/failed. In this case, the car may not restart, per Tesla's on-screen warning. If this occurs while driving, or in stop-and-go traffic, this could lead to a dangerous situation of not being able to remove the car from the road safely without a tow truck. From recent incidents online, this is occurring in many 2014-2016 Model S vehicles with the colder weather change.

   NHTSA complaint #11442097 · source
7. Filed May 4, 202148,000 miTXBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   After having my battery coolant heater replaced on february 22, 2021 i noticed problems with my car starting up slowly. Note error messages were noted on my vehicle however. On march 10 while driving home from work on a smooth straight freeway the entire electrical system in my car failed causing propulsion to go off line and the brake pedal to lock up and become non-functional until the system rebooted. For approximately 20 to 30 seconds it was impossible to depress the…

   NHTSA complaint #11415096 · source
8. Filed Apr 25, 202192,000 miCAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSeats & Seat BeltsSuspension

   Issue 1). Ever since i bought the car i noticed the drivers seat felt cooked causing low back pain. Eventually the seats power adjustment would only retract one side so it could not be adjusted evenly and i had to pay to have a whole new seat replaced issue 2). I have the 85 kw battery and after an update my battery capacity was reduced 10%. I was told it was due to risk of overheating the battery fire risk tesla never resolved the issue and never reinstated the missing 10%…

   NHTSA complaint #11413862 · source
9. Filed Feb 7, 202114,000 miTXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Tesla has reduced the charging capacity and charge rate per: re: nhtsa action number: dp19005 - investigation subject : battery management software updates prior to this software update, the charge rate was double the shown rate.

   NHTSA complaint #11395064 · source
10. Filed Jan 25, 202142,900 miTXFireBody & StructureFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    On afternoon of november 23, 2020, 2015 tesla model s 85d was in motion with single occupant, turning right turn into residential area off city street. Driver heard loud and deep metallic sound and immediately slowed. Warning message similar to 'unsafe to drive, pull over safely' appeared on dash. Driver stopped car right away and heard 3-4 loud, identical sounds. Driver heard another sound followed by loud 'pop' and smelled something burning. Driver immediately exited and…

    NHTSA complaint #11389857 · source
11. Filed Dec 30, 2020114,000 miTXElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    My media control unit (mcu) is constantly crashing or failing to boot resulting in me not being able to control the hvac, adjust any options including turning on/off lights or safety controls, and failure of the back up camera. This will happen either on boot up of the car or while driving. This has been ongoing since at least march 2018 with tesla constantly saying it's a software/firmware issue and that i need to update with the update never solving the problem. As late as…

    NHTSA complaint #11385692 · source
12. Filed Nov 26, 2020TXElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionLighting

    The mcu in this car went black several occasion while driving. I lost all controls of lightings and wiper. On several occasions....the car shut down and i have to coast to the aide of the higjway

    NHTSA complaint #11376470 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology