Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Tesla Model S
The 2015 Tesla Model S shows some concerns based on 650 NHTSA owner complaints and nine recall campaigns. Issues reported primarily involve electrical systems, suspension, and some safety components. However, the available data provide a limited view of its overall reliability, so a thorough inspection is crucial.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Tesla Model S has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 650 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V376000 Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V051000 Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V838000 Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V00B000 Front Trunk Hood May Open Unexpectedly/FMVSS 113 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V035000 Center Display Can Lose Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V204000 Loss of Power Steering Assist Due to Corrosion NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V260000 Parking Brake may not Release or Fully Apply NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V780000 Front Seat Belts may be Incorrectly Secured NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 257 complaints
- Unknown or Other 185 complaints
- Suspension 147 complaints
- Steering 51 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 44 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 40 complaints
Of the 650 complaints on file, 70 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 650 complaints, owners report 29 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Instrument panel font size
How to check: Ensure warning lights on the dash are visible and clear.
General suspension complaints
How to check: Inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
Power steering assist failure
How to check: Check for smooth power steering operation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from the powertrain.
Red flag: Any clunking or grinding sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check if warning lights stay on.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Evaluate steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering.
- 04
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Test the parking brake functionality.
Red flag: Parking brake fails to engage.
- 05
Highway speed
What to check: Monitor any unusual vibrations or instability.
Red flag: Noticeable vibrations or pull.
- 06
Gradual stop
What to check: Feel for smooth braking without noise.
Red flag: Brake noise or lack of response.
- 07
Dashboard inspection
What to check: Ensure all displays are functioning.
Red flag: Screens not functioning or visible.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the seat belt recall been addressed?
- Can you explain any electrical repairs done?
- Any suspension parts replaced recently?
- What is the condition of the steering system?
- Are there any unresolved dashboard warnings?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall repairs documentation
- Original purchase documents
- Battery health report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Tesla Model S at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 Tesla Model S? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.