VehicleVerdict

2015 Volkswagen Golf engine problems

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf has 30 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

30

Engine complaints

16%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Golf engine complaints by model year34 complaints1985: 2 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 9 complaints1991: 1 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 7 complaints1996: 15 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 16 complaints2000: 14 complaints2001: 24 complaints2002: 14 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 2 complaints2007: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 16 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 14 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 30 complaints2016: 19 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 3 complaints2019: 34 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 24 complaints2023: 2 complaints
Golf engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

15V705000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 91,867 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

“NEED TO FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS WITH THE VW GOLF R 2015 MODEL. ANYTHING RELATED TO ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, EXHAUST THAT WOULD CAUSE A FIRE ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 5, 2017 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf have?

NHTSA has 30 complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf engine — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 15V705000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.