2015 Tesla Model S engine problems

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TN

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 multiple battery management warnings. The instrument cluster displayed a red emergency warning: "Vehicle shutting down — PULL OVER SAFELY." The vehicle required towing. The failure was confirmed by the service center's own follow-up invoice, which documented "trapped air pockets in the coolant system following the most recent service" as the cause. The corrective repair was performed at $0 as a Goodwill service — the service center's internal acknowledgment of liability. The service advisor made a written text admission of causation the following day, then retracted it in a recorded phone call. Both are preserved. No post-repair Isolation Resistance test results were provided. The HV isolation fault may indicate latent thermal damage to HV insulation that could cause a safety failure at higher mileage outside any remaining warranty. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

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.

Filed Jul 5, 2025 · Engine, Steering · CA

Steering: While driving today (7/5/2025), all of a sudden and without warning, "driver assist" (power steering) became disabled. Steering wheel immediately became heavy in the sense that it was extremely difficult to turn. Motor: Also, on 02/22/2024, while driving on the freeway at freeway speed, all of a sudden and without warning, the rear LDU (large drive unit) failed and the car became inoperable. At that time, the car had approximately 45k miles on it.

Filed May 10, 2024 · Engine · GA

In 6 years the drive unit has failed and been replaced. Multiple other tesla owners report similar issue. I have a Tesla S 2015. The car will not drive or will abruptly stop driving when the drive unit fails. First incident I was driving on 55mph road and abruptly stopped. Second incident I cannot recall. Third incident tesla provided no support and the car was experiencing multiple driving failures which would turn back on to allow the car to only drive 2-7mph. Tesla reports they know it is a problem with the coolant leaking through the seals which kills the motor. If this is a KNOWN issue, why are these models still allowed on the road? This has me TERRIFIED knowing that a tesla can go from 55mph to abruptly stop when the drive unit dies. It happened to me! Now that I know it happens with others AND tesla is aware, it makes me question why there is no recall to fix it.

Filed Sep 16, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · GA

On September 7, 2021 I was driving in heavy rain conditions. The rain was so heavy I could only drive at speed of 25 mph. My car displayed a message "Car may not restart - service required" I pulled under a canopy of a gas station and put the car in PARK. The car did not restart after that and was towed to Tesla Service Center. The next day I was told that a RAPID MATE vehicle side connector failed due to water ingress and that HV battery needs to be replaced due to same damage. I was presented with a $23622.54 invoice even, though, the battery is covered under existing powertrain warranty. The car was never driven into standing water or a puddle. Water has NOT entered the interior of the car. The battery and other electrical components of the car are poorly insulated / isolated presenting the risk of water damage and or electric shock under ordinary driving conditions.

Filed Feb 7, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 14,000 miles · TX

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

Filed Nov 17, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · VA

The mcu went out. Turn signals, brake lights, backup camera, HVAC controls, all went with it. Car would drive, but would not

Filed Aug 6, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 65,874 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 tesla model s. The contact stated that there was a loud sound coming from the engine while the vehicle was plugged up and charging. The contact disconnected the charger in fear that the battery or the engine may explode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to be fully charged. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,874.

Filed Aug 3, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 114,000 miles · VA

The mcu failed while we were traveling, which basically locked the climate control, access to suspension, speed control, autopilot, navigation, radio, turn signals, and back up camera.

Filed Jul 17, 2020 · Engine · 98,870 miles · IN

My 2011 chevy equinox ran out of oil in between regular oil changes due to the oil consumption issue with the incorrect sized piston rings. This escalated quickly and destroyed my timing chain which destroyed my engine.