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2015 Volkswagen Jetta problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 197owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 1fire report
- 27%fail the UK MOT
197 complaints, against an average of 194 for the other 14 Volkswagen Jetta model years.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?
The components named most often in the 197 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Volkswagen Jetta owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 197 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?16 owners · 8.1%
- Why won't my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta start?14 owners · 7.1%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?9 owners · 4.6%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?9 owners · 4.6% · Recall 15V627000
- Why does my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta idle rough, misfire or hesitate?8 owners · 4.1%
- Has the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta had transmission failures?6 owners · 3% · Recall 19V615000
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?6 owners · 3% · Recall 20E064000
Has the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
8 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder 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.
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Unknown Or Other 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.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System: Ignition: Anti-Theft: Control Module 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Sensor/Control Module-Inactive 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Fuel Injection System: Fuel Rail 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.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting: Headlights 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."
Risk: Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Seats 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.
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateDefective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs.As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/05/2019
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fuel rail in the engine may leak which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn the affected vehicles, the mechanical rear-door child-proof locking system may have been damaged during manufacturing.This can cause the child-proof locking system to be switched off without this being noticed, especially in the event of strong vibrations, making it possible for the door to be opened from the inside by children.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe vehicles concerned may have a leaking fuel rail.There is a danger of fire in some cases.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 19/02/2015
How often does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2015, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2015 Volkswagen Jetta owners report?
12 of the 197 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Engine light loss of communication between ecm and abs
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the odometer mileage was 77,183. Later, while attempting to sell the vehicle on Carvana, the contact was informed that the odometer mileage for the vehicle that was last reported in 2023 was 80,000.
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…
A warning lamp came on that I didn’t know what it was for. It came on yesterday along with a tire warning lamp. The steering wheel buttons won’t work. I had it inspected by a local service center and it was confirmed to be the clock spring. I was informed it may fall under an active recall. It is a safety issue due to the airbag not being able to deploy if need be.
abs light on no communication with abs module cause speedometer not fonctionning abs light on epc light on
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.
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…
I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during rush hour in the evening. It was congested with multiple avenues of transportation via buses, scooters, and pedestrian crosswalks. I started to lose power steering and the gas pedal would not accelerate the car, but the brakes still worked. I was able to coast the car to…
With no warning, the transmission/mechatronics unit in this 2015 Jetta Hybrid, reported an error code. This "error" results in the car not being able to enter the Hybrid (electric motor) mode when asked for by driver. Also, the car no longer goes into Stop/Start mode when stopped (engine cycles on and off). Car thus failed state inspection due to error code. Dealer tested and found code "P0841". Dealer reported failure in power train, needing a full replacement at over $7,000 cost. Review with VIN shows not within a Recall which was offered for this model. Yet failure seems to be same as that…
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…
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that his son mentioned to him that an abnormal squeaking noise was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a rubber piece was sitting underneath the rear driver’s side tire. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the wheel well was sitting on top of the rear driver’s side tire. The contact attempted to reach the dealer but instead left a voicemail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was…
You will be driving the car and it will shut off with no warning. You can not steer th ecat you have no brakes.
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2015 Volkswagen Jetta: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 197 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta; the most common categories were electrical system (49, 24.9%), engine (43, 21.8%), power train (24, 12.2%). There are 8 safety recalls. 8 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 9 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?
Across 197 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (24.9% of complaints), engine (21.8% of complaints), power train (12.2% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (9.6% of complaints), service brakes (9.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta; the most recent (campaign 20E064000, 2020-09-23) concerns Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
16 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (8.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "After running multiple errands the car will fail to start. Usually after 5-10 minutes it will start again. Every time it will crank but not fully. Lights and blinkers are operational still as well." (NHTSA complaint 11516705, April 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta start?
14 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (7.1%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "After running multiple errands the car will fail to start. Usually after 5-10 minutes it will start again. Every time it will crank but not fully. Lights and blinkers are operational still as well." (NHTSA complaint 11516705, April 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?
9 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (4.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Engine light is on 2015 jetta 1.8 turbo. ecu 1 states code p05a0 active grille air shutter "a" stuck on. volkswagon wants to charge me $900 to correct this sensor problem. vehicle has 32,000 miles & was stationary when light came on." (NHTSA complaint 11395041, February 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?
9 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (4.6%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. A related recall exists: campaign 15V627000 (air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Clockspring on my Jetta broke which disabled horn and cruise control functions. The safety issue is the horn. The clockspring should not fail on any car with barely 50k operating miles on it. The unit has not yet been replaced." (NHTSA complaint 11451936, February 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
8 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (4.1%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11403199, March 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta had transmission failures?
6 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (3%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. A related recall exists: campaign 19V615000 (electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. One owner wrote: "My wiring harness was replaced as my car was in limp mode. 2 and half weeks later my light comes back on and after driving it to work one day it didn't feel right so i had it towed. at time of towing noticed i was leaking fluid." (NHTSA complaint 11320448, April 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?
6 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (3%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder). The fix: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. One owner wrote: "I have owned this used vehicle for 3 months. when attempting to apply the brake at low speed (10-15mph) the brake pedal stuck in place and would not go down. this brake failure resulted in an accident." (NHTSA complaint 11365653, October 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Jetta
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only; combines NHTSA's entries for JETTA, JETTA HEV and JETTA TDI.