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: other or unspecified
34 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2026
Engine light loss of communication between ecm and abs
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 15, 2026
Vehicle Information •Make / Model / Year: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE •VIN: [XXX] Recall Information (if known) •Camshaft recall: 23R1 (2016) •ECM software update: 24DR (2020) Description of Problem: My 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE experiences loss of power while driving, where the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate properly, especially when driving uphill. This creates an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle previously received recall repairs for the camshaft (23R1) and ECM software (24DR). Despite these recall repairs being completed, the same symptoms persist, indicating the recall may not have fully resolved the defect. I reported this issue to Volkswagen Customer CARE under case number [XXX], but the concern remains unresolved. I am filing this complaint to document that this is an ongoing safety concern, post-recall, that has not been resolved by Volkswagen. I request NHTSA to review this unresolved post-recall safety issue and ensure Volkswagen investigates whether the original recall repairs fully corrected the defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2025
SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS BEEN A VERY HOT SUMMER AND I HAVE TO USE THE AIR CONDITIONING ON HIGH TO COOL MY CAR WITH ALL BLACK INTERIOR FOR MY INFANT SON (THE AIR VENT POSITIONING IN THIS CAR MAKES IT VERY HARD TO COOL THE BACKSEAT). I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 8 WEEK OLD BABY IN THE BACKSEAT, AC ON HIGH, AND RADIO AT A LOW/NORMAL VOLUME. OUT OF NOWHERE I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND IT COMPLETED TERRIFIED ME AND MY BABY. I QUICKLY REALIZED THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED WITH GLASS FALLING THREW THE SUNSHADE GAPS AND I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY IMMEDIATELY. THANK GOODNESS I DID NOT CRASH FROM THE SOUND OF THE EXPLOSION AND I HAD THE SHADE CLOSED OR ALL THE GLASS WOULD HAVE SHATTERED ON US BOTH!! I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING FLY AND HIT THE SUNROOF ON THE ROAD. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR THE GLASS LOOKED LIKE IT HAD EXPLODED UPWARD WITH NO SIGN OF ANYTHING HITTING IT FROM ABOVE AND NO DAMAGE TO THE SHADE OR EXTERIOR BODY OF THE CAR. MY EARS WERE RINGING AND THUMPING FOR A WHOLE DAY AFTERWARDS - I’M CERTAIN MY BABYS EARS WERE HURTING AS WELL BUT COULDN’T CONFIRM OF COURSE BECAUSE HE WAS 8 WEEKS OLD. I’M CERTAIN IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURING OF THE GLASS OR THE INSTALLATION AND NOTHING HIT THE GLASS. I AM SO SURPRISED THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET - SO UNSAFE FOR THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS I.E. MY INFANT, AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2025
As I’m driving the car, the gear ship suddenly won’t go into gear to downshift and grind for a second so I stopped trying to change gears and I just close to the end of the exit. Finally able to get it back into gear drive down the road and the clutch is really loose and almost like it’s not connecting to anything. I’ve heard this has been a problem with the gearshift mechanism on other Volkswagens. And there have been recalls on that I don’t know why there’s no recall showing for my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta with this issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2024
I was driving along the I-25 highway south. I was no where near any bridges and was in the right lane with a safe following distance from the car in front of me. Suddenly out of no where with no warning lights, and nothing that could have possibly been flung towards my car, my sunroof exploded. Thankfully the inside cover was closed, and I was not using the sunroof or the glass would have been blown into the car on me and my passenger. I pulled onto the shoulder and got out to look at it. It looked like it had been imploded from the inside, and there was no damage to the inside cover, giving me reason to believe the glass just exploded with no impact from anything else. There was also no thumping noise of another object when it happened. Luckily no other cars were involved and I was able to get off the highway safely. Still waiting to get my sunroof fixed.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2024
Camshaft and Timing chain. Only 116,000 miles . Based on the conversation with the dealership this seems to be a common issue wit the 1.8ltr engines
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2023
Vehicle transmission went out. I had only had this vehicle for a couple months. So I purchased it in June of 2023
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2023
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2022
I brought this car for my daughter. It has quick on her twice with no warning. The car has malfunctioned twice getting gas. The first incident it would not start after getting gas. The cap was on correct.I finally was able to get it started. I was 2 miles from home and it rode smoothly.The car rode fine for about a week then my daughter got gas again at a different place in my hometown. It started up then as she tried to drive into street it just cut off. Thankfully, it stopped before she entered the street. The car had to be towed home. The battery is new, low mileage and its not the alternator. I am afraid for her to drive it. I believe it could cut off again without warning.
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2021
Looking to see if my timing belt or serpentine belt needs to be replaced.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2021
SUNROOF EXPLODED FROM INSIDE OUT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY KNOWING THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT UNDER REVIEW. OTHER DRIVERS WERE EFFECTED DODGING CLASS PARTICLES ON HIGHWAY. INTERIOR OF CAR PLUS MYSELF WAS COVERED WITH GLASS FOR THE NEXT COUPLE MILES UNTIL FINDING A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. SUPER LOUD EXPLOSION NOISE ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK TOO. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND VOLKSWAGEN BRAND TO ANYONE NOW.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2021
MY CAR HAS A KEYLESS PUSH START BUTTON AND NOW HAS A SLUGGISH START.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2020
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2020
IGNITION KEY GOT STUCK INTO IGNITION SWITCH MAKING UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF. THIS STARTING HAPPENING AFTER RECALL 37M2 WAS PERFORMED.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2019
HORN WILL NOT FUNCTION BELOW FREEZING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE; LIKELY MOISTURE INSIDE HAS FROZEN THE MECHANISM; WORKS FINE ONCE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE HAS RISEN ABOVE 32*F
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Nov 6, 2019
I ORIGINALLY TOOK MY 2015 JETTA SE TSI CERTIFIED CAR IN TO BE SERVICED AT THE VW DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THE STEERING PIN SAFETY WARNING THAT WAS ISSUED BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND STEERING LIGHT WERE ON AND IT STARTED HAVING TROUBLE STARTING AND ALL KINDS OF INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WERE SHOWING. I WAS TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE MY BATTERY WHICH I DID AND THEY DID AN 24DR EMISSIONS RECALL TO MY CAR. I PICKED MY CAR UP AND WAS TOLD NOW I HAVE A 'NO KEY' CODE. I HAVE SINCE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. I HAVE TO START MY CAR IN EMERGENCY START MODE... ERGHH. MY CAR BEGAN BOGGING DOWN. MY CAR THEN BEGAN TO RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING FLASH THE ESC CONTROL LIGHT ON, THEN EPC LIGHT AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT. AT THE SAME TIME THIS IS HAPPENING, NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I AM GOING EVEN INTERSTATE DRIVING, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. I HAD THIS HAPPEN AND HAD TO PULL OVER COMING OUT OF A TUNNEL. I RESTARTED AND DROVE HOME WITH ONLY THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. I HAD MY CAR THEN TOWED BACK TO ANOTHER VW DEALERSHIP. THEY TESTED MY CAR ON THE COMPUTER AND I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS FOR MISFIRES WHICH I DID. THEY ALSO NOTED THE 'NO KEY' CODE AND DIAGNOSED THIS AS ME NEEDING A NEW BODY CONTROL MODULE WHICH I SUSPECT DEFINITELY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY. I RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED MY BATTERY AND PERFORMED THE RECALL WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT. ON THE WAY TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THE SAME INCIDENT WITH MY ESC AND ENGINE LIGHT OCCURRED. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED IT; THIS TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT DIDN'T STAY ON. I ARRIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND WAIT FOUR HOURS TO BE TOLD THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOW NO HISTORY OF ANY INCIDENTS OR IMPAIRED DRIVABILITY. I WAS SENT HOME FEELING UNSAFE BECAUSE EVEN VW CAN'T DIAGNOSE MY VW. AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER I LEFT! THIS HAPPENS AT SPEEDS OF 10, 30 OR EVEN 60 MPH!!
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2019
KEY WON'T TURN OFF. REQUIRES SHAKING AND WIGGLING KEY OR FORCING KEY TO TURN
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2019
MY REAR VIEW CAMERA STOPPED WORKING ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN I SHIFT INTO REVERSE, THE SCREEN DOESN'T CHANGE TO THE REAR VIEW CAMERA ANY MORE. TRY IT MANY TIMES NOW.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2019
THE HORN AND ALARM CHIRP HAS GONE CRAZY. SOMETIMES HORN WORKS BUT VERY SOFT AND SOME OTHER TIMES DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. THE ALARM CHIRP SAME. THIS IS A NEW CAR AND WE CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING. WORKMANSHIP GOING BAD OR LOCATION OF THE HORN GETTING TOO MUCH WATER AND THIS IS NOT CUSTOMERS FAULT. THIS WILL HAPPEN ON AND OFF.
Other or unspecified, May 28, 2019
CANNOT TURN VEHICLE OFF ONCE ON. KEY GETS STUCK. VEHICLE IS IN PARK STATIONARY. AFTER JIGGLING THE KEY FOR OVER A COUPLE HOURS I FINALLY GOT THE VEHICLE TO TURN OFF.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2018
THE IGNITION KEY STAYS INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES THE CAR CAN NOT BE STARTED OR IT CAN NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 25, 2018
MY VEHICLE STARTS TO STALL OUT WHILE EITHER PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC OR WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR DOES NOT STALL OUT COMPLETELY BUT FOR 4 SECONDS + THE CAR WILL BE NON RESPONSIVE TO THE GAS AND THE TACHOMETER GOES TO 0 WHICH WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF SOMEONE WITH THE CAR SITTING IDLE WHEN ITS SUPPOSED TO BE MOVING IS VERY SCARY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND LAST OCCURANCE HAPPENED TODAY.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2018
2015 VW JETTA TDI - UNABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY IN THE OFF POSITION TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. STEERING LOCK MECHANISM NOT ALLOWING THE KEY TO ROTATE TO OFF POSITION TO SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION CYLINDER EVENT DESCRIPTION: VEHICLE IN PARK ON LEVEL GROUND. ENGINE WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN ROTATING KEY IN KEY CYLINDER TO THE OFF POSITION. APPEARS THAT STEERING LOCK IS NOT RELEASING THE IGNITION KEY WHEN ROTATING IGNITION KEY TO OFF POSITION. POOR DESIGN. DOES NOT FAIL SAFE. ENGINE KEEPS RUNNING NO MATTER WHAT! LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB OF THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. OEM SHOULD RECALL THIS DESIGN DEFECT. AIR POLLUTION ISSUE. URGET ACTION REQUIRED FROM NHTSA
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2018
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I RECEIVED A WARNING THAT THESE SERVICES WERE NOT WORKING.BLIND SPOT MONITOR,FRONT ASSIST AND REAR TRAFFIC. I HAVE CAR NET SERVICE ON THIS CAR. AFTER BEING ON THE FWY FOR 2 HOURS, I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FWY TO TURN BACK ON THE FEATURES, SINCE YOU MUST BE STOPPED. IT SEEMS THAT THE CAR NET PROGRAM HAD SENT A REPORT FROM THAT DAY SAYING EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I BELIEVE WHEN THE PROGRAM SENDS A REPORT IT GLITCHES THE SOFTWARE THAT CONTROLS THESE VITAL CAR FUNCTIONS. I CALLED VW & CAR-NET BUT THEY WILL NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A BUG IN THE INTEGRATION OF THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO FAIL. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME ONCE BEFORE WHILE DRIVING AND I WAS TOLD ON THE DASH BOARD THAT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. I STOPPED AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND NOTING WAS WRONG. THIS WAS ALSO AFTER THE CAR SENT A REPORT FROM THE CAR NET PROGRAM. BOTH HAPPEN WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND GAVE NO WARNING ON THE FWY. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. VW SEEMS TO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS.