VehicleVerdict

2015 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta sits mid-pack among Jetta years: 284 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 214, with 8 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (50), engine (46), and other (34), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

284

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Jetta years?

See all Jetta years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5018%
Engine4616%
Other3412%
Transmission238%
Brakes207%
Fuel System207%
Airbags176%
Suspension155%
Steering155%
Tires & Wheels114%
Seats83%
Body & Structure52%
Lighting52%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Seat Belts41%
Speed Control41%
Driver Assistance31%

Does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20E064000BrakesSeptember 23, 2020 · 38 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

19V679000OtherSeptember 25, 2019 · 113 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

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.

19V615000Electrical SystemAugust 22, 2019 · 679,027 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

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.

15V627000AirbagsOctober 7, 2015 · 993 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

15V028000Fuel SystemJanuary 23, 2015 · 44,658 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy

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.

14V790000LightingDecember 15, 2014 · 25,007 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

14V670000SeatsOctober 24, 2014 · 393 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR ABOUT 6 HOURS THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE OUT BUT THE WHOLE FROM END OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE AND BACKSEAT WAS AFFECT BY THE FIRE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 11, 2020 · fire

THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR ABOUT 6 HOURS THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE OUT BUT THE WHOLE FROM END OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE AND BACKSEAT WAS AFFECT BY THE FIRE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 11, 2020 · fire

I RENTED A VEHICLE THROUGH HERTZ TO DRIVE FOR LYFT. I DISCOVERED THE CAR HORN DIDN'T WORK WHEN SOMEONE CUT ME OFF AND I HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID THEM. THIS CAUSED ME TO HIT A CURB AND ULTIMATELY LOSE A HUBCAP. HERTZ WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR HUBCAP... WHEN I INFORMED HERTZ ABOUT THE ISSUE I WAS TOLD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 28, 2017 · crash

In the past few months, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road on various occasions. It was taken to a VW dealer, who found nothing wrong with it. On November 11, 2021, the vehicle stopped in the street, and would no longer move, forward or reverse. It was towed to a VW dealer, who found…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 11, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 10, 2016 · crash

2015 Volkswagen Jetta — common questions

Is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

It is close to typical for the Jetta: 284 NHTSA complaints, 8 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2015 Jetta problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (50 complaints), engine (46 complaints), other (34 complaints).

Does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Jetta years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jetta years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2002, 2011, 2001, 2006, 2019, 2013, 2012, 2000, 2003, 2014, 1999, 2005, 1995. The cleanest record among Jetta years belongs to 1983.

How safe is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.