2015 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 194 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 8 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Other or unspecifiedSep 25, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Campaign 19V679000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, control moduleAug 22, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Campaign 19V615000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineOct 26, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Campaign 15V705000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveOct 7, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected.
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen's number for this recall is 69L6.
Campaign 15V627000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, fuel railJan 23, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Campaign 15V028000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsDec 15, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured July 11, 2014, to November 13, 2014. Due to incorrect software within the headlight control module, the low beam headlights may turn off when high beam lights are turned on. As a result, the light output from the headlights may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the headlight control module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57F6.
Campaign 14V790000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsOct 24, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.
Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F1.
Campaign 14V670000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
18 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2025
The turbocharger is out. I've had problems with coolant leaking. Mechanic pressurized tank, its fine. While parked coolant disappears, evaporates, idk..Nothing leaking on ground. Now smoke coming out of exhaust. Car has 56,000 miles.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2025
I’ve been experiencing intermittent start failures with my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The issue typically occurs after driving short distances, turning off the engine, and attempting to restart the vehicle within 15–45 minutes. The dashboard lights stay on, but the engine fails to crank. After extended wait times (1–3 hours or more), it will sometimes start again. A diagnostic scanner showed DTC IM 00, indicating an immobilizer system malfunction, meaning the car isn’t recognizing the key properly. I’ve tested both keys and various conditions (locked/unlocked, sun/shade, full/low gas tank), and the issue continues to be unpredictable. When the car was towed to the dealership, they were unable to replicate the problem since it started by the time they checked it, and they were unwilling to investigate the immobilizer issue without charging me for a wide range of unrelated tests. This is becoming a safety issue, especially if the vehicle stalls or won’t restart in isolated areas or during hot conditions. It is not acceptable for a known electronic security feature to randomly disable the vehicle from functioning.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2023
I purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta from North Coast Auto Mall on March 19, 2023 and the following day several issues went wrong with the vehicle like: The car reeked of gasoline, oil and engine lights came on, driver side head light blew out. Also, I was told that the car had an inspection, come to find out they didn't do an inspection by North Coast Service manager, so they lied. Also, the reason for the gasoline smell is because the vehicle needs a fuel rack, oil pan, oil pressure switch, and a new headlight. Too many things are going wrong with this car in such a short period of time. It took North Coast two weeks to take my vehicle and they didn't want to give me a loaner car. Also, they have had my vehicle since March 28, 2023 and refuse to disclose of the reconditioning shop of my vehicle. They moved my car from Volkswagen Of Streetsboro to North Coast to another undisclosed location that they won't disclose. Lastly, the car was unsafe for me and my special needs son. He couldn't even ride in my car due to the bad gasoline fumes and I had to ride with the windows down, and come to find out the car could have caught on fire or exploded.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2022
Car cut off twice while driving and could not be restarted for 14 - 25 minutes. This happened while driving. I took it to both an independent mechanic and a vw dealer, bit they were unable to diagnose the issue. Also, after being driven, intermittently the car will not start for 15 - 25 min. Other drivers are also having this issue. See: https://www.volkswagenownersclub.com/threads/intermittent-starting-problem-with-my-2015-jetta.130674/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/lsobwe/2015_vw_jetta_2slo_20_cranks_but_doesnt_start_for/
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 26, 2022
You will be driving the car and it will shut off with no warning. You can not steer th ecat you have no brakes.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2021
CAR IS RANDOMLY BUCKING AND OR HESITATING. MANY TIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION, AND KILLS THE ENGINE. I'M GOING TO GET KILLED IF THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. ITS BEEN DOING THIS FOR MONTHS.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2021
MY CAR HAS A KEYLESS PUSH START BUTTON AND NOW HAS A SLUGGISH START.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL ODOR WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED HEAD ACHES AND WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. THE OCCUPANTS HAD EXPERIENCED HEAD ACHES DUE TO THE FUEL ODOR. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER COMFORTABLE VOLKSWAGEN (2035 WEST AIRPORT FREEWAY, IRVING TX) AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V028000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2019
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ADBLUE LIGHT CAME ON FOUND DEF FLUID ALL OVER ENGINE COVER AND DRY DEF FLUID ON DEF FLUID INJECTOR. INJECTOR LEAKING.
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2019
I AM WRITING TO ADVISE YOU OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I OWN A 2015 JETTA. AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, AND USUALLY AFTER PASSING THROUGH STANDING WATER, THE CAR LOSES POWER AND STALLS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. I FIRST TOOK THE CAR TO MY OWN MECHANIC, AN EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN WITH A MAJOR REPAIR FRANCHISE. HE WAS UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE PROBLEM RECURRED, I TOOK IT BACK AND HE AGAIN TESTED IT BUT WAS UNABLE TO SAY FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS AN AIR INTAKE IN THE FRONT END THAT MIGHT HAVE TAKEN IN WATER AND CAUSED THE ISSUE. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP (BURLINGTON VOLKSWAGEN) AND THEY WERE ALSO UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC THERE ALSO INDICATED THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO WATER ENTERING THE AIR INTAKE IN THE FRONT END. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS WOULD BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE THROUGH PUDDLES, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A PRACTICAL SOLUTION. I THEN ASKED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY OPTION THE REPRESENTATIVE THERE OFFERED WAS FOR ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER VW DEAIERSHIP, WHICH I AM UNWILLING TO DO AT MY PERSONAL EXPENSE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY OWN AND MY WIFE'S SAFETY WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, BUT VOLKSWAGEN IS BASICALLY TELLING ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM SO THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I WOULD BE GLAD TO WORK WITH YOU ON THIS ISSUE, AND I HAVE ATTACHED THE VW MECHANIC'S REPORT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 30, 2019
CAR WON'T PULL. IT START OFF GOOD. THEN IT LOSES PRESSURE AND DROPS TO 30 MILES AN HOUR.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 7, 2018
PUTTING A NEW BATTERY IN EVERY MONTH START PUSH START BUTTON WILL NOT WORK AIRBAG LIGHT OFF AND ON FRONT HEADLIGHTS PARKING LIGHTS BLOW EVERY 2 WEEKS
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2018
ACCELERATION FALLS FLAT UNEXPECTEDLY OFF THE LINE. EVER SINCE THE RE-PROGRAM OF THE TDI AFFECTED VEHICLES THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE QUICKLY AT FIRST WHEN GIVEN GOOD THROTTLE (70%+), BUT THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN AT 30-40MPH OR SO IT WILL TOTALLY FALL FLAT ALL OF A SUDDEN, AND DANGEROUSLY SO. IT JUST COMPLETELY LOSES POWER, AND BEING A DIESEL, IT DECELERATES FAIRLY QUICKLY. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE IT'S HAPPENED, SO MUCH SO, I KNOW BETTER THAN TO EVEN TRY ANYMORE. WHEN PULLING OUT IN CHICAGO TRAFFIC THIS CAN DEFINITELY BITE YOU IN THE REAR. IT ALMOST SEEMS WORSE IN 'SPORT' MODE ALSO. I SOLD THESE CARS FOR ALMOST 8YRS AND I NEVER DROVE ONE THAT ACTED LIKE THIS. I THINK THEY NEED NEW PROGRAMS, THE CURRENT ONES ARE NOT ONLY WEAK, BUT DANGEROUS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2017
I STARTED TO SMELL OF GASOLINE IN MY CAR WHILE DRIVING IT. CALLED VW GROUP OF AMERICA COSTUMER SERVICE NUMBER WHO SUGGESTED I TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR FOR TWO (2) DAYS, THE DEALER, SOUTH MOTORS VW, VERBALLY REPORTED THE PROBLEM CAUSE WAS A FUEL LEAK AT THE INJECTION SYSTEM: FUEL RAIL. JUST AS DESCRIBED IN THE 15V028000 RECALL. VW GROUP OF AMERICA HAS DECLINED MY REQUEST TO ACCEPT THIS FAILURE AS PART OF THE REFERENCE RECALL UNDER THE ALLEGATION THAT THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THE VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN 36,000 MILES. (ACTUAL MILEAGE: 47,500). I UNDERSTAND THE RECALL IS VIN SELECTIVE, BUT IT'S NOT OUT OF COINCIDENCE THAT MY CAR WAS ASSEMBLED IN PUEBLA, MEXICO; THE MANUFACTURING YEAR FALLS IN THE RECALL CATEGORY AND THAT THE SUPPLIER OF THE DEFECTIVE PART IS BENTELER DE MEXICO IN PUEBLA, MEXICO.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2017
​ON JUNE 10, 2017, I HAD PURCHASED A BRAND-NEW CAR AT PRIME VOLKSWAGEN SACO, MAINE WITH FULL WARRANTY ON IT. SEPTEMBER 15, 2017, I WAS WITH MY KIDS HEADING DOWN TO CONNECTICUT. IN ROUTE ON MASSACHUSETTS 495 SOUTH AT ONE POINT WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO ADD MORE POWER TO THE CAR TO SPEED UP THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE. I RELEASED THE GAS PEDAL NO SHAKING OCCURRED. I THEN AGAIN TRIED ADDING GAS AND IT STARTED SHAKING. I THEN ALSO NOTICED MY ENGINE LIGHT HAD TURNED ON. I WAS WORRIED SO I DECIDED TO SLOW DOWN AND PULL OVER INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH THE CAR. IN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN AND PULLING OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, YOU COULD HEAR A BANGING SOUND TO ME IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I CALLED MY ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THEM TO COME CHECK OUT AND CHECK MY CAR AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T DO THAT KIND OF ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE FOR ENGINES THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE BROUGHT BACK TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. SO, THAT NIGHT MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO PRIME VOLKSWAGEN SACO, MAINE WHERE IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. THREE DAYS LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT PRIME VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY SAID THE FUEL IN MY TANK WAS NOT PURE DIESEL FUEL, THAT IT WAS CONTAMINATED. THEY TRIED TO TELL ME I FILLED THE CAR WITH GAS INSTEAD OF DIESEL FUEL. I HAD BROUGHT THEM THE RECEIPT WHEN I LAST FILLED MY TANK. IT WAS THE MORNING OF MY TRIP HEADING DOWN TO CONNECTICUT. I HAD FILLED MY CAR FROM AN EMPTY TANK TO A FULL TANK AT BIG APPLE ON WASHINGTON AVENUE RIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF MUNJOY HILL. ON THAT RECEIPT, IT STATES I USED FUEL PUMP NUMBER THREE WHICH IS A DIESEL FUEL PUMP. IT ALSO SHOWS HOW MANY GALLONS WERE FUELED AND THE PRICE. AFTER I SHOWED THAT RECEIPT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP THEY THEN TRIED TO BLAME THE BIG APPLE GAS STATION SAYING THAT THEIR FUEL PUMPS ARE CONTAMINATED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 22, 2016
THIS VEHICLE'S VIN REPORT SHOWS NO OPEN RECALLS. YET I SMELL FUEL IN THE CABIN AND HAVE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS SEEN EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKED ON THE GROUND. OTHER 2015 JETTAS DO HAVE RECALLS FOR A FUEL RAIL LEAK. MY VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL. I ASK YOU TO INCLUDE IT IN THE EXISTING SAFETY RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2016
ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO WITH 16K MILES I CALLED VW AND INDICATED THAT MY JETTA SMELLED LIKE DIESEL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY JUST AN OVERFILLED FUEL TANK. IT TURNED OUT TO BE A LEAKY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. ON THE 2015 JETTA, THIS IS LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. THIS LITERALLY MEANS THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND EXHAUST. THE LEAKING FUEL EVENTUALLY ATE THROUGH RADIATOR LINES AND CAUSED A COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT. OBVIOUSLY LEAKY FUEL + HOT ENGINE / EXHAUST = FIRE RISK. NOT TO MENTION THE COOLANT LOSS STRANDED MY FAMILY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE LOSS OF COOLANT HAPPENED AT CITY SPEEDS AND STRANDED MY FAMILY.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2015
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN ONE MONTH AGO AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE LISTED RECALLS. MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS AS LISTED ON THE RECALLS, HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE RETURNS A SEARCH OF NO OPEN RECALLS. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL. ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, I HAVE SMELLED GASOLINE BOTH WHILE AT AN IDLE AND JUST AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION. YOUR ASSISTANCE WITH THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED.