2015 Volkswagen Jetta: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta: 7 recalls, 194 owner complaints and up to 35 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #14V670000 · 2014 · 393 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback May distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #14V790000 · 2014 · 25,007 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Insufficient headlight output May increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #15V028000 · 2015 · 44,658 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V627000 · 2015 · 993 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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 fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pods control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015.
Brakes (hydraulic), Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #15V705000 · 2015 · 91,867 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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 fix: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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 fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #19V679000 · 2019 · 113 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #20E064000 · 2020 · 38 vehicles
What's wrong: The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder May be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Why it matters: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (49): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), warning light on (10), stalls / loses power (8).
- Engine (43): the most common themes are warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (11), leaks (6).
- Other / unknown (34): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), noise or vibration (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (23): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), hard / delayed shifting (3).
The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta has 194 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 37 Jetta model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 274). Complaints peaked in 2019 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 42,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2014 (387 complaints, 4 recalls), 2016 (161 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 44 | 35 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 43 | 35 | Diesel |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners have filed 194 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (49), engine (43), other / unknown (34).
What gas mileage does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA ratings run up to 35 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.