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Volkswagen · NHTSA safety record

2015 Volkswagen Jetta

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

193

Complaints

8

Crashes

1

Fires

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have filed 193 safety complaints with NHTSA between January 2015 and March 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 48 of them (25%). The typical failure was reported at 42,000 miles, the median across the 125 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints rose by half year on year: 11 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 6 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 7 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (7)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

19V679000 · September 25, 2019

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 113 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

19V615000 · August 22, 2019

The 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."
The 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.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 679,027 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

15V705000 · October 26, 2015

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 91,867 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

15V627000 · October 7, 2015

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 993 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

15V028000 · January 23, 2015

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 44,658 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

14V790000 · December 15, 2014

The 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."
The risk
Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 25,007 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

14V670000 · October 24, 2014

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 393 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 193.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 48 25%
ENGINE 43 22%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 33 17%
POWER TRAIN 23 12%
SERVICE BRAKES 19 10%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 18 9%
AIR BAGS 17 9%
STEERING 15 8%
SUSPENSION 14 7%
SEATS 8 4%
WHEELS 8 4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 31.

2015 2019 2026
2015 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 36,000 miles

DRIVING ON FREE WAY 210 CATCHING ON RAMP 5 S FRE WAY BOTH FRONT AND BACK LEFT TIRES EXPLODED ON DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT INPACT THE MODGILE WAS DEFECTED I WAS SO SHOKED SCARED BUT MY SENSOR WAS ON., ANT THE HEAT COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD AND STEERING AND UN SURE CONFUSION. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10928719. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 114,000 miles

AS THE THIRD CAR IN A 4 CAR ACCIDENT, IT WAS THE ONLY ONE WHERE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY IT WAS THE MOST DAMAGED. THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BROKE UPON REAR IMPACT PRIOR TO THE CAR BEING FORCED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT THE TIME.

NHTSA complaint 11365846. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 43,000 miles

I WAS IS A CAR ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED MY 2015 JETTA TDI. THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS IMPACTED TO THE POINT WHERE THE HOOD BLOCKED MY WINDSHIELD AND THE ENGINE ITSELF WAS PARTIALLY CRUSHED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION BECAUSE MY HEAD HIT THE STEARING WHEEL. THIS WAS A THREE CAR ACCIDENT ON A HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint 11231532. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 28,000 miles

CAR WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH ON A SUBURBAN STREET AND WAS BROAD SIDED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE IMPACT AREA WAS DRIVERS FRONT TIRE AND THE A POST. CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL BY INSURANCE COMPANY. CONCERN IS, THE DRIVERS DOOR AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IMPACT WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO RIP THE A POST IN THE MIDDLE AND BUCKLE IT INWARD. THE IMPACT WAS BEFORE THE DOOR WHICH SHOULD OF TRIGGERED THE AIRBAG. THE CAR THAT HIT MINE RIPPED THE OUTER SHELL FROM THE DOOR AND PUNCTURE A LARGE HOLE IN THE LOWER FRONT CORNER. THE ARM TO PROTECT THE DRIVER THAT IS LOCATED IN THE DOOR WAS ALSO SEVERELY DAMAGED. I HAD A BODY SHOP TECHNICIAN LOOK AT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE DOOR AND THERE

NHTSA complaint 11327301, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

80,000 miles

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.

NHTSA complaint 11721675. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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

NHTSA complaint 11711278, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS
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.

NHTSA complaint 11704592. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
abs light on no communication with abs module cause speedometer not fonctionning abs light on epc light on

NHTSA complaint 11690163. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.

NHTSA complaint 11683134. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Bottom line: brakes failed to stop car on decline slope. Situation: driver depressed brake and hit start button. With brakes still depressed the driver put the car into gear. However, the gear jolted and the car began rolling forward. Driver attempted to press the brakes without any response. The car rolled to a stop without any control over braking or accelerating. Once stopped the driver put the car back into park and pressed the start button. The car then ignited and started. After starting, pressure came back into the brake pedal and the engine revved when the accelerator was pressed. No issues were detected after the car started. Available for inspection upon request. Safety: the

NHTSA complaint 11676784, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Volkswagen Jetta

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 23 2
2024 39 0
2023 42 0
2022 42 1
2021 66 4 2
2020 51 6
2019 545 11
2018 31 2
2017 159 6 1
2016 160 4
2014 386 4
2013 516 4
2012 499 5
2011 606 7
2010 852 4

Other 2015 Volkswagen models

Every Volkswagen on this site — 152 vehicles, 256 recall campaigns and 2 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst