As the train was intended to be operated only on the warmer Tōkaidō Main Line, it was not designed to withstand the cold or snow.

[4] The 215 series suffered from multiple issues related to the bilevel design while operating as the Acty.

Due to these problems, it took a considerate amount of time for passengers to get on and off at each stop, and delays became noticeable.

From October 2004 onward, scheduled services using 215 series stock were limited to a small number of weekday Home Liner services, with only occasional holiday weekend workings, such as the Holiday Rapid View Yamanashi on the Chūō Main Line.

No 215 series cars have been preserved, with two sets being scrapped at Nagano General Rolling Stock Center and the other two sets scrapped at the Aomori branch of the Morioka Rolling Stock Center.