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2015 Volkswagen Jetta: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, most recently filed September 2019. Owners have filed 194 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 7campaigns 1 unknown or other · 1 steering · 1 brake Source: NHTSA Complaints 194filed Owner reports, 2011–2020 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 35mpg combined $1,866/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2 L 4-cyl· 6-speed manual 8 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (7)

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V679000 Filed Sep 25, 2019

Modifications to Vehicles Made Them Noncompliant

Unknown or other
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
17.7% repairedof 113 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V679000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V615000 Filed Aug 22, 2019

Key May Be Removed When Not In Park

Electrical system · ignition · anti-theft · control module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
49.1% repairedof 679,027 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V615000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V705000 Filed Oct 26, 2015

Loss of Power Brakes due to Camshaft Lobe Fracture

Engine and engine cooling · engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
92.9% repairedof 91,867 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V705000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V627000 Filed Oct 7, 2015

Incorrect Occupant Classification

Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
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.
71.8% repairedof 993 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V627000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V028000 Filed Jan 23, 2015

Fuel Leaking Into Engine Compartment

Fuel system, gasoline · fuel injection system · fuel rail
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
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.
94.3% repairedof 44,658 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V028000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V790000 Filed Dec 15, 2014

Insufficient Headlight Output

Exterior lighting · headlights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
96.4% repairedof 25,007 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V790000
Listed for 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V670000 Filed Oct 24, 2014

Possible Movement of Seatback

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
97% repairedof 393 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V670000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Jetta years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Volkswagen JettaAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (194)

194 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

8involved a crash
1involved a fire
9injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 194.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2015 compares with other Jetta years

Best and worst Jetta years →
607 500 517 386 194 161 159 31 549 53
2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
This year (2015)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 11.1%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 35 mpg combined

35
mpg combined
30
city
44
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,750
CO₂ tailpipe
289 g/mi
EPA class
Compact Cars

What it costs you to run

$1,866per year
$156per month
429gallons a year

Miles ÷ 35 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2015 Volkswagen Jetta configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive30 / 44 / 35$2,750289
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive31 / 43 / 35$2,750287
1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29$2,300305
1.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29$2,300302
2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28$2,400313
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27$3,050334
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26$3,150338
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26$2,600340

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2015 Jetta for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Jetta years

Where to next

Which Jetta years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2016 Volkswagen Jetta report161 complaints · 4 campaigns →2014 Volkswagen Jetta report386 complaints · 4 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2015 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ

How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 19V679000 (unknown or other), 19V615000 (steering), 15V705000 (brake), 15V627000 (air bag), 15V028000 (fuel system), 14V790000 (lighting), 14V670000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

Owners filed 194 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (49), Engine (43), Unknown or other (34) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual version at 30 city, 44 highway and 35 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta get?

NHTSA rated the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (11.1% rollover risk).

How does the 2015 Jetta compare with other years?

Among the 2011–2020 Volkswagen Jetta model years at least five years old, the 2018 drew the fewest complaints (31) and the 2011 the most (607). The 2015 drew 194. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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