2015 Tesla Model S
Full vehicle record- Complaints
- 1,053
- rank #358 of 4,194
- Recalls
- 9
- campaigns on record
- Top component
- Electrical System
- 260 complaints (25%)
- Reported harm
- 114 crashes / 41 injuries
- 6 deaths; 16 fires
2015 Tesla Model S vs 2016 Tesla Model S
Same-model NHTSA complaint comparison: raw complaints, recalls, top component families, and reported harm mentions.
Pending review: this curated compare page is generated from two real NHTSA rows and excluded from the sitemap until sampled. Data through 2026; reviewed June 2026.
2016 Tesla Model S
Full vehicle record- Complaints
- 1,010
- rank #386 of 4,194
- Recalls
- 10
- campaigns on record
- Top component
- Suspension
- 208 complaints (21%)
- Reported harm
- 154 crashes / 115 injuries
- 12 deaths; 23 fires
Largest differences in this pair
Complaint gap
43
2016 Tesla Model S has the lower raw complaint count
Recall gap
1
2015 Tesla Model S vs 2016 Tesla Model S
Top component overlap
Different families
Electrical System vs Suspension
2015 Tesla Model S problem mix
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 260
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 189
- SUSPENSION 148
- STEERING 51
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING 43
2016 Tesla Model S problem mix
- SUSPENSION 208
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 149
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 143
- STEERING 83
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 77
Frequently asked questions
Which has fewer NHTSA complaints, the 2015 Tesla Model S or 2016 Tesla Model S?
2016 Tesla Model S has fewer raw NHTSA consumer complaints in this dataset (1,010 vs 1,053). This is not a defect rate and is not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
Does this mean the 2016 Tesla Model S is more reliable?
No. These are unverified consumer reports and recall campaigns, not production-normalized reliability scores. Use the comparison as one research signal and check a specific vehicle's history before buying.
These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle, and not financial, safety, or purchasing advice. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).