2015 Tesla Model S Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 37 Structure & Body complaints for the 2015 Tesla Model S, 6% of that year's 667 total complaints. Owners most often describe failed or non-retracting door handles, with 5 crashes and 1 fire linked to this area, and a related recall covers the front trunk latch.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 37
- 6% of 667
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 48,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Door handles fail to present or retract, leaving occupants unable to open the door from outside.
- Rear or front door handles open on their own or fail to open on demand, sometimes with the handle motor spinning continuously.
- Some owners report doors opening independently while the car is in park or in drive.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration events that ended in collisions with walls, curbs, or other vehicles.
- One owner reported a loud metallic sound and a dash warning to pull over safely, followed by a fire.
- One complaint noted door handles becoming hot to the touch from sun exposure, causing minor burns.
When 2015 Tesla Model S body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 11, 2016, latest Mar 15, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2015 Tesla Model S
- NHTSA 21V00B000Dec 21, 2021Structure & Body130,441 vehicles
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."
Risk: 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.
Structure & Body complaints by Model S model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Tesla Model S?
- NHTSA lists 37 Structure & Body complaints for the 2015 Model S, making up 6% of the 667 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2015 Tesla Model S?
- Yes. Recall 21V00B000, reported December 21, 2021, covers a front trunk latch assembly that may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. Tesla Service inspects and repositions the latch free of charge.
- What is the most common Structure & Body complaint on the 2015 Model S?
- The most frequently described pattern in owner complaints is door handles that fail to retract, open, or close properly, sometimes preventing entry or exit.
- At what mileage do Structure & Body problems typically show up on the 2015 Model S?
- The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2015 Model S is 48,000 miles.
- Have any crashes or fires been linked to Structure & Body complaints on the 2015 Model S?
- Yes. NHTSA data shows 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury associated with the 37 Structure & Body complaints for this model year.