VehicleVerdict

2015 Tesla Model X problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Tesla Model X carries two red flags at once: 0 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sudden Unintended Acceleration). It is one of the Model X years to avoid.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Model X years?

Model X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted681 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 681 complaints2017: 418 complaints2018: 299 complaints2019: 169 complaints2020: 210 complaints2021: 59 complaints2022: 200 complaints2023: 264 complaints2024: 41 complaints2025: 17 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Model X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Model X years to avoid →

Does the 2015 Tesla Model X have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V376000Seat BeltsMay 28, 2024 · 125,233 units

Defect

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.

20V062000SteeringFebruary 5, 2020 · 14,113 units

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Model X vehicles. 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 with coated steel bolts, and add a corrosion-preventative sealer to the steering gear motor housing and motor connection bolts. If the mounting bolts are found to be broken or break during removal and cannot be removed, a new steering gear will also be installed. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Open NHTSA investigations

DP23002

Sudden Unintended Acceleration

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11528471.

2015 Tesla Model X — common questions

Is the 2015 Tesla Model X reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 0 complaints put the 2015 model at #12 of 12 Model X years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Model X years to avoid.

Does the 2015 Tesla Model X have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Tesla Model X. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Tesla Model X under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Sudden Unintended Acceleration). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Tesla Model X years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Model X years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023, 2020, 2022, 2019, 2021, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2015.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.