2015 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta has 46 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

16%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Jetta 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

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have?

NHTSA has 46 complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta engine — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta engine?

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

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.