How common are electrical system complaints on the 2015 VW e-Golf?

NHTSA shows 20 electrical system complaints for the 2015 e-Golf, which is 69% of the 29 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2015 e-Golf electrical system?

Yes. Recall 16V138000, reported March 7, 2016, covers 2015-2016 e-Golf vehicles for oversensitive high-voltage battery management diagnostics. Volkswagen dealers update the battery management software free of charge.

At what mileage do these electrical failures happen?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 13,576 miles.

Do the electrical failures on the 2015 e-Golf cause crashes or fires?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2015 e-Golf shows 0 crashes and 0 fires reported.

Is the 2015 e-Golf worse than other e-Golf years for electrical complaints?

Yes, relative to other e-Golf years. The 2015 model's electrical complaints made up 69% of its total complaints, compared to 61% for 2016, 100% for 2017 (on just 1 complaint), 0% for 2018, and 33% for 2019.

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 20 electrical system complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf, 69% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 13,576. A related recall (16V138000) addresses oversensitive battery management diagnostics.

Electrical System complaints: 20; 69% of 29
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 13,577 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicle suddenly loses power and shudders to a stop while driving at moderate speed, with a dash message reading "electrical system failure, stop!"
Driver airbag, steering assist, and brake assist disable at the same time the electric drive shuts off mid-drive.
Car becomes unresponsive after the error appears, sometimes requiring several attempts to power off and restart, or being pushed off the road.
Charging plug remains locked to the charging inlet after charging finishes, requiring a key to release it, or sparks occur when the plug is removed while still energized.
Charging system failure reported to have damaged the battery and electrical system while parked and charging.

When 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 18, 2015, latest Apr 28, 2021.

20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2015 to Apr 2021; peak Dec 2015 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf

NHTSA 16V138000Mar 7, 2016Electrical System5,561 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 e-Golf vehicles manufactured May 21, 2014, to March 1, 2016. Oversensitive diagnostics for the high-voltage battery management system may falsely detect an electrical surge resulting in the vehicle's electric drive motor shutting down unexpectedly.
Risk: An unexpected vehicle shutdown can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will update the battery management software, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93B4.

Electrical System complaints by e-Golf model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201520 (69%)
201611 (61%)
20171 (100%)
20180 (0%)
20192 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical system complaints on the 2015 VW e-Golf?: NHTSA shows 20 electrical system complaints for the 2015 e-Golf, which is 69% of the 29 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 e-Golf electrical system?: Yes. Recall 16V138000, reported March 7, 2016, covers 2015-2016 e-Golf vehicles for oversensitive high-voltage battery management diagnostics. Volkswagen dealers update the battery management software free of charge.
At what mileage do these electrical failures happen?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 13,576 miles.
Do the electrical failures on the 2015 e-Golf cause crashes or fires?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2015 e-Golf shows 0 crashes and 0 fires reported.
Is the 2015 e-Golf worse than other e-Golf years for electrical complaints?: Yes, relative to other e-Golf years. The 2015 model's electrical complaints made up 69% of its total complaints, compared to 61% for 2016, 100% for 2017 (on just 1 complaint), 0% for 2018, and 33% for 2019.