2015 Tesla Model X Oil Capacity, Filter & Specs

The 2015 Tesla Model X is a fully electric vehicle (EV) and does not take any traditional engine oil, meaning its engine oil capacity is exactly zero quarts. As an ASE-certified master technician, I often get questions from first-time EV owners about routine maintenance, and the best news is that you can say goodbye to traditional engine oil changes, oil filters, and emissions checks.

However, the Model X does have electric drive units (motors) on the front and rear axles that utilize a specialized synthetic fluid for cooling and gearbox lubrication. While you will never change "engine oil" in this vehicle, understanding its drive unit fluid requirements is essential for long-term maintenance.

Quick answer

Because this is a battery-electric vehicle without an internal combustion engine, traditional motor oil specifications do not apply. Here is the breakdown for the drive unit (gearbox) fluid:

• Engine Oil Capacity: 0 quarts / 0 liters (N/A)
• Drive Unit Fluid Capacity: Approximately 1.5 to 1.8 quarts (1.4 - 1.7 L) per drive unit.
• Recommended Fluid: Pentosin ATF 9, Dexron VI, or Tesla-specific drive unit fluid (always consult dealer for your exact VIN, as fluid specs can vary between early front and rear motors).
• Oil Spec: N/A for engine; synthetic ATF for the drive units.
• Oil Filter: N/A. (The drive units do feature an internal, lifetime magnetic oil filter that is typically not serviced during a basic fluid drain-and-fill. There are no Fram, Wix, or Mobil 1 spin-on filters for this car).

Capacity by engine option

The 2015 Model X (which debuted late in the year primarily as the P90D Signature series) utilizes dual electric motors. There are no engine options, only battery and drive unit configurations.

Oil change interval

Since there is no internal combustion engine, the standard 3,000- or 5,000-mile engine oil change interval is completely obsolete.

• Normal Duty (Engine Oil): Never.
• Severe Duty (Engine Oil): Never.
• Drive Unit Fluid Interval: Tesla technically considers the drive unit fluid a "lifetime" fluid under normal conditions. However, many EV technicians and enthusiasts recommend a preventative drain and fill of the drive unit fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles to remove metallic break-in wear particles and ensure maximum bearing lifespan.

Drain plug torque

If you or your mechanic are servicing the drive unit fluid, the gearbox features a drain and a fill plug.

• Drive Unit Drain/Fill Plug Torque: 26 lb-ft (35 Nm).
• Washer note: The drive unit plugs utilize a sealing crush washer. You should always replace this washer with a new OEM washer when reinstalling the plug to prevent leaks.

How to change the oil (Drive Unit Fluid)

If you are performing a preventative service on your drive unit gearbox, the process is very similar to changing a manual transmission or differential fluid:

1. Lift the vehicle: Ensure the Model X is safely supported on a lift using the proper Tesla jack pads to avoid damaging the high-voltage battery.
2. Remove aerodynamic panels: Take off the front or rear underbody aero shields to access the drive unit.
3. Locate plugs: Identify the fill plug (top) and drain plug (bottom) on the side of the drive unit casing.
4. Remove fill plug first: Always remove the fill plug before the drain plug to ensure you can actually refill the unit once it is empty.
5. Drain the fluid: Remove the drain plug and let the old ATF fluid drain into a catch pan.
6. Reinstall drain plug: Clean the magnetic tip of the drain plug, fit a new crush washer, and torque to 26 lb-ft.
7. Refill: Pump the specified drive unit fluid (e.g., Pentosin ATF 9) into the fill hole until it begins to weep out of the fill hole.
8. Seal and reassemble: Install the fill plug with a new washer, torque to 26 lb-ft, wipe the area clean, and reinstall the aero panels.

Common issues / tips

The 2015 Model X (early production) is a highly complex vehicle. When it comes to fluid maintenance, the biggest mistake owners make is confusing the vehicle's battery/motor coolant system with oil. The Model X uses a complex loop of G48 (blue-green) coolant to manage the temperature of the high-voltage battery and electronics. Never attempt to put oil, ATF, or any non-approved fluid into the cooling reservoirs under the hood. Furthermore, because this vehicle relies heavily on regenerative braking, your friction brakes will last a very long time, but brake fluid should still be tested for moisture and replaced every 2 to 3 years.

Need an oil change—or in this case, an EV inspection, tire rotation, or drive unit service? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.