2015 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta has a complaint index of 50, ranking 11th of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Owners reported 194 complaints led by Electrical System issues (27%) and Engine problems (25%), with 7 recalls including airbags, fuel system, and engine ECM campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #11 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 194
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2015 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System53 (27%)
- Engine48 (25%)
- Other35 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain23 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (11%)
- Brakes20 (10%)
- Fuel System20 (10%)
- Airbags17 (9%)
- Steering15 (8%)
- Structure & Body13 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in several crash scenarios, including side impacts and multi-car collisions.
- Engine sometimes revved unexpectedly or jerked and stalled at low speeds, occasionally with brake performance loss.
- Brake pedal was described as sticking in place at low speed, contributing to at least one collision.
- Front tires developed sidewall bubbles and blew out on a newly purchased vehicle within days of delivery.
- A vehicle caught fire at the front end while parked and stationary for hours.
- Windshield wiper blades were reported sliding out of their clips during use, leaving the windshield unwiped.
2015 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V679000Sep 25, 2019Other113 vehicles
Unknown or other
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical System679,027 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
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."
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.
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.
- NHTSA 15V705000Oct 26, 2015Engine91,867 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
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.
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.
2015 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- It has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 11th out of 21 Jetta model years, earning a Caution verdict. It sits in the middle of the pack, worse than the newer 2018-2025 years but better than 2009-2013 and 2019.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?
- NHTSA complaints show Electrical System issues account for 27% of complaints and Engine issues 25%, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 12% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 11%.
- Does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2015 Jetta, covering the engine control module, headlight control module, airbag PODS control module, fuel rails, and seatback recliner brackets.
- At what mileage do 2015 Jetta problems typically appear?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 42,000 miles overall, with Brakes failing earliest at a median of 23,500 miles and Steering latest at 54,000 miles.
- How does the 2015 Jetta compare to other Jetta years?
- The 2015 Jetta's complaint index of 50 is better than Avoid-rated years like 2009 (100), 2010 (95), and 2019 (90), but worse than Best-rated years such as 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.