YearToAvoid

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 48 engine complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, 25% of its 194 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 37,353. A related recall, 15V705000, covers a camshaft lobe issue affecting the engine control module software.

Engine complaints
48
25% of 194
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
37,353 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine suddenly revs or surges at low speed, in one case followed by brake failure and a multi-vehicle crash.
  • Engine jerks and stalls while coming to a stop, sometimes triggering the check engine light before restarting normally.
  • Engine unexpectedly drops to idle speed on the highway and stops responding to the accelerator for several seconds before recovering.
  • Fuel odor inside or around the cabin traced to a leaking high pressure fuel pump positioned on top of the engine, allowing fuel to leak onto hot engine and exhaust components.
  • Engine hesitates when the accelerator is pressed, diagnosed by dealers as a fuel canister filter needing replacement, with the problem recurring after repair.
  • Owners report delays getting recall parts for campaign 15V705000 while an electronic power control warning light stayed illuminated.

When 2015 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 12, 2015, latest Jan 15, 2026.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2015Feb 2016Apr 2018Apr 2019Feb 2020Jun 2021Nov 2022Oct 2024
48 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2015 to Jan 2026; peak Feb 2016 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta

  1. 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.

Engine complaints by Jetta model year

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

  1. 2010214 (25%)
  2. 2011133 (22%)
  3. 2012102 (20%)
  4. 2013129 (25%)
  5. 2014119 (31%)
  6. 201548 (25%)
  7. 201654 (34%)
  8. 201740 (25%)
  9. 20182 (6%)
  10. 2019162 (30%)
  11. 202013 (25%)
  12. 20215 (7%)
  13. 202214 (33%)
  14. 202314 (33%)
  15. 202414 (33%)
  16. 20252 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA lists 48 engine complaints for the 2015 Jetta, which is 25% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta engine?
Yes. Recall 15V705000, reported October 26, 2015, covers a camshaft lobe issue in the 2015-2016 Jetta and other Volkswagen models; the remedy is an engine control module software update.
At what mileage do 2015 Jetta engine problems typically appear?
NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 37,353 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2015 Jetta.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to 2015 Jetta engine complaints?
NHTSA data for this component area on the 2015 Jetta records 1 crash and 1 fire among the complaints, with no reported injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.