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2015 Volkswagen Jetta Problems & Owner Complaints

193 NHTSA owner complaints
8 crash 1 fire 9 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~16.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 5 of 13 Volkswagen Jetta years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, cited in 48 of 193 filed complaints (25%).

Engine is next (43 complaints, 22%), followed by Power Train (23), Service Brakes (19), Fuel/Propulsion System (18).

Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 9 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 4 crash, 6 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 193.

Electrical System 48 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE CONTACT REACHED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDOW ROLLED UP AND SQUEEZED THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 160250974. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000 *TT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11151610, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE "START ENGINE STOP" BUTTON IS LIVING AWAY ON THE LETTER N OF ENGINE, CAUSING A METAL BLADE TO PIERCE THE SKIN WHEN THE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED TO START OR STOP THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #10817687, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR ABOUT 6 HOURS THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE OUT BUT THE WHOLE FROM END OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE AND BACKSEAT WAS AFFECT BY THE FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11310392, 2020 · fire

Engine 43 1 crash 1 fire

“THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR ABOUT 6 HOURS THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE OUT BUT THE WHOLE FROM END OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE AND BACKSEAT WAS AFFECT BY THE FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11310392, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,907. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.”
NHTSA complaint #10905727, 2016 · crash

“The turbocharger is out. I've had problems with coolant leaking. Mechanic pressurized tank, its fine. While parked coolant disappears, evaporates, idk..Nothing leaking on ground. Now smoke coming out of exhaust. Car has 56,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11683134, 2025

Unknown Or Other 33 1 crash

“I RENTED A VEHICLE THROUGH HERTZ TO DRIVE FOR LYFT. I DISCOVERED THE CAR HORN DIDN'T WORK WHEN SOMEONE CUT ME OFF AND I HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID THEM. THIS CAUSED ME TO HIT A CURB AND ULTIMATELY LOSE A HUBCAP. HERTZ WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR HUBCAP... WHEN I INFORMED HERTZ ABOUT THE ISSUE I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ONLY INSPECT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, NOT WHETHER IT FUNCTIONS. WHEN PRESSED, THEY INSISTED THAT IT WAS LYFT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THAT THE CAR IS WORKING AND SAFE. LYFT CLAIMS IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HERTZ TO INSPECT VEHICLES ARE WORKING PROPERLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11051040, 2017 · crash

“The turbocharger is out. I've had problems with coolant leaking. Mechanic pressurized tank, its fine. While parked coolant disappears, evaporates, idk..Nothing leaking on ground. Now smoke coming out of exhaust. Car has 56,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11683134, 2025

“SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS BEEN A VERY HOT SUMMER AND I HAVE TO USE THE AIR CONDITIONING ON HIGH TO COOL MY CAR WITH ALL BLACK INTERIOR FOR MY INFANT SON (THE AIR VENT POSITIONING IN THIS CAR MAKES IT VERY HARD TO COOL THE BACKSEAT). I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 8 WEEK OLD BABY IN THE BACKSEAT, AC ON HIGH, AND RADIO AT A LOW/NORMAL VOLUME. OUT OF NOWHERE I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND IT COMPLETED TERRIFIED ME AND MY BABY. I QUICKLY REALIZED THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED WITH GLASS FALLING THREW THE SUNSHADE GAPS AND I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY IMMEDIATELY. THANK GOODNE…”
NHTSA complaint #11674833, 2025

Power Train 23

“I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during rush hour in the evening. It was congested with multiple avenues of transportation via buses, scooters, and pedestrian crosswalks. I started to lose power steering and the gas pedal would not accelerate the car, but the brakes still worked. I was able to coast the car to…”
NHTSA complaint #11612065, 2024

“With no warning, the transmission/mechatronics unit in this 2015 Jetta Hybrid, reported an error code. This "error" results in the car not being able to enter the Hybrid (electric motor) mode when asked for by driver. Also, the car no longer goes into Stop/Start mode when stopped (engine cycles on and off). Car thus failed state inspection due to error code. Dealer tested and found code "P0841". Dealer reported failure in power train, needing a full replacement at over $7,000 cost. Review with VIN shows not within a Recall which was offered for this model. Yet failure seems to be same as that…”
NHTSA complaint #11534529, 2023

“The transmission of the 2015 VW Jetta Hybrid failed at about 81,000 miles. The transmission began to behave erradically while it was idling, with the engine coming on and off every 5 seconds. The check engine light and EPC lights illuminated. I was able to get the vehicle to an auto parts store to check the codes. The codes that came back indicated that there was transmission related issues. Unfortunately the vehicle did not start again when I was ready to leave the auto part store and I had to tow it to the dealership. The local dealership indicated that there was metal fines in the transmi…”
NHTSA complaint #11531408, 2023

Service Brakes 19 2 crash 1 injury

“I HAVE OWNED THIS USED VEHICLE FOR 3 MONTHS. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKE AT LOW SPEED (10-15MPH) THE BRAKE PEDAL STUCK IN PLACE AND WOULD NOT GO DOWN. THIS BRAKE FAILURE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. DURING SAID ACCIDENT, AT LOW IMPACT, THE AIRBAG WAS TRIGGERED TO DEPLOY. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THE AIRBAG OR SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE, AS I HAVE BEEN IN A MUCH MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH AN OLDER JETTA THAT DID NOT RESULT IN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I AM AT RISK OF HAVING MY VEHICLE TOTALED OUT BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES WHEN IT NORMALLY WOULD BE REPAIRABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11365653, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,907. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.”
NHTSA complaint #10905727, 2016 · crash

“abs light on no communication with abs module cause speedometer not fonctionning abs light on epc light on”
NHTSA complaint #11690163, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 18

“The turbocharger is out. I've had problems with coolant leaking. Mechanic pressurized tank, its fine. While parked coolant disappears, evaporates, idk..Nothing leaking on ground. Now smoke coming out of exhaust. Car has 56,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11683134, 2025

“I’ve been experiencing intermittent start failures with my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The issue typically occurs after driving short distances, turning off the engine, and attempting to restart the vehicle within 15–45 minutes. The dashboard lights stay on, but the engine fails to crank. After extended wait times (1–3 hours or more), it will sometimes start again. A diagnostic scanner showed DTC IM 00, indicating an immobilizer system malfunction, meaning the car isn’t recognizing the key properly. I’ve tested both keys and various conditions (locked/unlocked, sun/shade, full/low gas tank), and t…”
NHTSA complaint #11653341, 2025

“I purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta from North Coast Auto Mall on March 19, 2023 and the following day several issues went wrong with the vehicle like: The car reeked of gasoline, oil and engine lights came on, driver side head light blew out. Also, I was told that the car had an inspection, come to find out they didn't do an inspection by North Coast Service manager, so they lied. Also, the reason for the gasoline smell is because the vehicle needs a fuel rack, oil pan, oil pressure switch, and a new headlight. Too many things are going wrong with this car in such a short period of time. It t…”
NHTSA complaint #11517608, 2023

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Air Bags 17 4 crash 6 injury

“AS THE THIRD CAR IN A 4 CAR ACCIDENT, IT WAS THE ONLY ONE WHERE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY IT WAS THE MOST DAMAGED. THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BROKE UPON REAR IMPACT PRIOR TO THE CAR BEING FORCED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11365846, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“DRIVING ON FREE WAY 210 CATCHING ON RAMP 5 S FRE WAY BOTH FRONT AND BACK LEFT TIRES EXPLODED ON DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT INPACT THE MODGILE WAS DEFECTED I WAS SO SHOKED SCARED BUT MY SENSOR WAS ON., ANT THE HEAT COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD AND STEERING AND UN SURE CONFUSION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10928719, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“CAR WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH ON A SUBURBAN STREET AND WAS BROAD SIDED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE IMPACT AREA WAS DRIVERS FRONT TIRE AND THE A POST. CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL BY INSURANCE COMPANY. CONCERN IS, THE DRIVERS DOOR AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IMPACT WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO RIP THE A POST IN THE MIDDLE AND BUCKLE IT INWARD. THE IMPACT WAS BEFORE THE DOOR WHICH SHOULD OF TRIGGERED THE AIRBAG. THE CAR THAT HIT MINE RIPPED THE OUTER SHELL FROM THE DOOR AND PUNCTURE A LARGE HOLE IN THE LOWER FRONT CORNER. THE ARM TO PROTECT THE DRIVER THAT IS LOCATED IN THE DOOR WAS ALSO SEVERELY DAMAGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11327301, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 15

“I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during rush hour in the evening. It was congested with multiple avenues of transportation via buses, scooters, and pedestrian crosswalks. I started to lose power steering and the gas pedal would not accelerate the car, but the brakes still worked. I was able to coast the car to…”
NHTSA complaint #11612065, 2024

“You will be driving the car and it will shut off with no warning. You can not steer th ecat you have no brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11458402, 2022

“Volkswagen Jetta 2015-- 45K--defective Power steering Pump---”
NHTSA complaint #11432237, 2021

Suspension 14

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that his son mentioned to him that an abnormal squeaking noise was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a rubber piece was sitting underneath the rear driver’s side tire. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the wheel well was sitting on top of the rear driver’s side tire. The contact attempted to reach the dealer but instead left a voicemail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was no…”
NHTSA complaint #11508280, 2022

“My 2015 Jetta SE was making noises in the left front end. I was driving when something fell off my vehicle. I was able to stop and pick up the item that fell off. It was part of a coil spring that was from the left front side of my car. The VW dealer replaced the left front coil spring. That was 6 months ago. Recently, I heard a loud bang from under my car and a couple of days later a piece of coil spring came off of my car again, this time from the rear. I will be bringing in my car on 12/28/2022 to get this coil spring replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11498391, 2022

“Since we've owned it (bought new), every coil spring has broken. The last one is being repaired today at the VW dealership. The car has about 77k miles. I have never had any springs break on any other car, and one had 120k miles on it. This is obviously a car defect and the part has been recalled for the golf and several other vehicles. This is also a safety hazard; what could happen if one breaks while going 70mph down a busy highway? I believe the first one broke maybe 4 years ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11459254, 2022

Seats 8 1 crash 2 injury

“AS THE THIRD CAR IN A 4 CAR ACCIDENT, IT WAS THE ONLY ONE WHERE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY IT WAS THE MOST DAMAGED. THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BROKE UPON REAR IMPACT PRIOR TO THE CAR BEING FORCED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11365846, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT INDICATES THAT A PASSENGER IS NOT THERE WHEN THERE IS. IT WILL START BLINKING RANDOMLY, SOMETIMES REGISTERING THEM AND SOMETIMES NOT. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11403808, 2021

“1) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT BECAME PROBLEMATIC TO CLICK INTO THE RECEIVER, OFTEN WHEN INSERTING THE BUCKLE INTO THE RECEIVER, IT WOULD BOUNCE BACK OUT AS IF BEING EJECTED 3-6 TIMES BEFORE LATCHING. DEALER EXAMINED, ACKNOWLEDGED SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE RECEIVER. 2) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BEGAN EXHIBITING SLIGHT ROCK AND CLICK DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE SEAT FRAME.”
NHTSA complaint #11131070, 2018

Wheels 8 1 crash 2 injury

“DRIVING ON FREE WAY 210 CATCHING ON RAMP 5 S FRE WAY BOTH FRONT AND BACK LEFT TIRES EXPLODED ON DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT INPACT THE MODGILE WAS DEFECTED I WAS SO SHOKED SCARED BUT MY SENSOR WAS ON., ANT THE HEAT COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD AND STEERING AND UN SURE CONFUSION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10928719, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“BOTH MY FRONT TIRES UNRAVELED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN A MONTHS TIMEFRAME ON THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL. I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD SOME LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THE TIRE AND WHEN REMOVED THERE WAS METAL SHOWING ALL ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE AND ABOUT A FOOT OF UNRAVELED RUBBER WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED A COUPLE WEEKS LATER TO THE OTHER FRONT TIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11403809, 2021

“HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR PART WHT-003-858 ON A 2015 VW JETTA AT 17,415, MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE ANOTHER 2015 JETTA AND HAD TO REPLACE 3 OTHER WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ALL UNDER 15,000 MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11082505, 2018

Exterior Lighting 5

“I purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta from North Coast Auto Mall on March 19, 2023 and the following day several issues went wrong with the vehicle like: The car reeked of gasoline, oil and engine lights came on, driver side head light blew out. Also, I was told that the car had an inspection, come to find out they didn't do an inspection by North Coast Service manager, so they lied. Also, the reason for the gasoline smell is because the vehicle needs a fuel rack, oil pan, oil pressure switch, and a new headlight. Too many things are going wrong with this car in such a short period of time. It t…”
NHTSA complaint #11517608, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11170867, 2019

“PUTTING A NEW BATTERY IN EVERY MONTH START PUSH START BUTTON WILL NOT WORK AIRBAG LIGHT OFF AND ON FRONT HEADLIGHTS PARKING LIGHTS BLOW EVERY 2 WEEKS”
NHTSA complaint #11138886, 2018

Structure 5 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE CONTACT REACHED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDOW ROLLED UP AND SQUEEZED THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 160250974. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000 *TT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11151610, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR ABOUT 6 HOURS THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE OUT BUT THE WHOLE FROM END OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE AND BACKSEAT WAS AFFECT BY THE FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11310392, 2020 · fire

“2015 Volkswagen Jetta active grille shutter. A shutter system on the front end of the vehicle on the lower half of the radiator that allows air flow during different temperatures. The shutter assembly along with the electrical motor seems to go bad after a set amount of time. Giving off a Check Engine Code P05A0 as the shutters freeze open. Volkswagen dealerships have quoted $700-900 to replace the assembly as the only fix with vehicles being out of warranty. A quick search online has determined that this is a known problem for all these vehicles, Volkswagen are aware as they released a newer…”
NHTSA complaint #11477346, 2022

Seat Belts 4

“THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS OFF AND ON IF I DO NOT KEEP THE SEATBELT LOCKED, EVEN WITH NO PASSENGER. THUS OCCURS WHILE I AM DRIVING AND ASSUME THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, SAFETY ISSUE, AND POTENTIAL AIRBAG ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING OFF AND ON FOR OVER A YEAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11321511, 2019

“SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT ENGAGE TO LOCK INTO PLACE MULTIPLE TIMES INTO THE BUCKLE ITSELF. IT CAN TAKE AS MANY AS A DOZEN TO TWO DOZEN TIMES TO LOCK. FEW TIMES WHEN IT LOCKS IT DISENGAGES WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED BY CHEST OR WAIST DURING DRIVING CONDITIONS.THIS IS THE DRIVER SIDE ONLY AS OF NOW.”
NHTSA complaint #11286733, 2019

“1) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT BECAME PROBLEMATIC TO CLICK INTO THE RECEIVER, OFTEN WHEN INSERTING THE BUCKLE INTO THE RECEIVER, IT WOULD BOUNCE BACK OUT AS IF BEING EJECTED 3-6 TIMES BEFORE LATCHING. DEALER EXAMINED, ACKNOWLEDGED SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE RECEIVER. 2) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BEGAN EXHIBITING SLIGHT ROCK AND CLICK DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE SEAT FRAME.”
NHTSA complaint #11131070, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 4

“1. Overtime, i noticed my car starts to jerk during acceleration and would accelerate, completely stall for about 2 seconds before getting back in forward motion. It when that jerk happens, it feels like the car is suddenly in neutral for those few seconds. This has been happening more frequently and has now been happening every other green light. This seems dangerous and I also don’t like that it does this on the highway. 2. steering wheel has some resistance issues. 3. ECM is malfunctioning because my dashboard constantly shows at least 5 incorrect warning check lights. Sometimes they cha…”
NHTSA complaint #11441121, 2020

“WHILE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON AND CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE SPEED, THE SPEED SETTING WILL SOMETIMES (I.E. UNPREDICTABLY AND INTERMITTENTLY) INCREASE THE SPEED TO THE CLOSEST 5 MPH INCREMENT WHEN COMMANDED TO DECREASE THE SPEED TO THE CLOSEST 5 MPH INCREMENT. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS ERROR DOZENS TO HUNDREDS OF TIMES BUT I CANNOT DISCERN A NOTABLE PATTERN AND THE BEHAVIOR SEEMS UNPREDICTABLE. THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE BUT HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2014. EXAMPLE: I AM DRIVING AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO "ON" TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE SPEED AT 63 MPH. I PRESS THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11362920, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CANISTER FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10819270, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact's wife owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact veered to the side of the road and opened the hood. The contact stated that he noticed that coolant had leaked onto the engine, and the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact who is an independent mechanic, replaced the heater core hoses and added coolant to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred after 2,500 miles. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehi…”
NHTSA complaint #11533331, 2023

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the EPC light illuminated, indicating that there was an engine control malfunction, and the vehicle started shaking. The throttle became stiff. The contact veered off the highway and to the side of the road. The contact drove home with the hazard lights flashing. The contact then spoke with the dealer however, no appointment had been scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11494375, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11104088, 2018

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“abs light on no communication with abs module cause speedometer not fonctionning abs light on epc light on”
NHTSA complaint #11690163, 2025

“The small PLASTIC button to engage the emergency hand brake, popped off. When inspecting it, the internal plastic is broken, unable to re-attach. Unable to engage emergency break without it. This is for a manual transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11540569, 2023

“Clockspring on my Jetta broke which disabled horn and cruise control functions. The safety issue is the horn. The clockspring should not fail on any car with barely 50k operating miles on it. The unit has not yet been replaced. The dashboard shows an airbag warning light. No prior symptoms.”
NHTSA complaint #11451936, 2022

Tires 3

“ON 10/18/17 WENT TO TIRES PLUS FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND FOUND OUT THAT ALL 4 TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY WERE CONTINENTAL TIRES, BELT HAD SEPARATED ON ALL 4 TIRES. THE SIZE WERE 225/45/17. AND THE CAR WAS A 2015 VW JETTA WITH 19K ON TIRES. CALLED CONTINENTAL TIRES WHILE AT TIRES PLUS AND WAS TOLD THEY DON'T DEAL WITH THE CONSUMER. CALLED VW GUNTHER IN COCONUT CREEK, FL AND THEY DON'T WARRANTY TIES ON CAR WHETHER NEW OR USED CARS. ON 10/19/17 CALLED VW AMERICA, WHO GOT IN CONTACT WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES. CONTINENTAL TIRES SAID THERE WAS A 72 MONTH WARRANTY ON TIRES. ALL I HAD TO DO WAS GET…”
NHTSA complaint #11035337, 2017

“BOUGHT A 2015 JETTA SE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2015. VEHICLE WAS ONLY SERVICED BY A LICENSED DEALERSHIP IN MARYLAND, AND HAD JUST HAD IT'S 20,000 SERVICE. TOLD THE TIRES WERE FINE, AND DEALER ROTATED THEM. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT 5-10 MPH, THE TWO PASSENGER TIRES BLEW OUT FROM THE SIDEWALL WITH A LOUD POPPING SOUND. NO OBSTACLES, OR NAILS/GLASS ETC. IN THE ROAD, AND NOTHING WAS RAN OVER. TIRES ONLY HAD 20,500 MILES ON THEM, AND WERE RATED 8/32 BY THE DEALER TWO WEEKS AGO AT THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT. UPON RESEARCHING, THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE TIRES, MADE BY CONTINENTAL,…”
NHTSA complaint #10903207, 2016

“TWO FLATS IN 1 WEEK WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES BOTH WITH SIDEWALL ISSUES. BOUGHT BRAND NEW 2015 SE TSI VW JETTA ON 12/28/2014 CAR HAD 245 MILES ON IT. ON 1/15/2015 I WAS DRIVING ON PALMETTO PARK RD WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. TIRE HAD MULTIPLE SIDEWALL BUBBLES, VW ROADSIDE CAME AND PUT A SPARE ON. NEXT ON 1/17/2015 PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT I RAN OVER A ROCK AND BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT AGAIN TIRE HAD SIDEWALL ISSUES. CAR ONLY HAS 1000 MILES ON IT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10676403, 2015

Visibility 3 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE CONTACT REACHED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDOW ROLLED UP AND SQUEEZED THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 160250974. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000 *TT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11151610, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated upon activating the defroster, the defroster only engaged while the switch was turned to maximum, and there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from underneath the dashboard. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a common failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11665315, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 MPH, THE SUN ROOF GLASS EXPLODED. THE SUN ROOF INSIDE COVER WAS CLOSED; THEREFORE, ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF THE FRACTURED GLASS PENETRATED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10714966, 2015

Fuel System 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEARBY THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL ODOR WAS ALSO PRESENT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V028000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11373162, 2020

“TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS: (1)THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH DOESN'T WANT TO TURN AND ONCE TURN THE CAR OFF, IT'S HARD TO REMOVE THE KEY. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR, BUT IT'S GETTING WORSE. (2) I HAVE ALSO BEEN SMELLING GAS, FOR AT THE PAST 2 YEARS. THIS WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER ON ONE OF THE MAINTENANCE'S TRIP. I WAS TOLD TO JUST PUT A HIGHER OCTANE OF GAS, INSTEAD OF THE 87 OCTANE I WAS CURRENTLY USING. I STARTED USING 89 OCTANE AND STILL SMELLING THE GAS. (3) WHEN DRIVING YOU CAN FILL THE VEHICLE CHANGING GEARS.”
NHTSA complaint #11074133, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“I ORIGINALLY TOOK MY 2015 JETTA SE TSI CERTIFIED CAR IN TO BE SERVICED AT THE VW DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THE STEERING PIN SAFETY WARNING THAT WAS ISSUED BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND STEERING LIGHT WERE ON AND IT STARTED HAVING TROUBLE STARTING AND ALL KINDS OF INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WERE SHOWING. I WAS TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE MY BATTERY WHICH I DID AND THEY DID AN 24DR EMISSIONS RECALL TO MY CAR. I PICKED MY CAR UP AND WAS TOLD NOW I HAVE A 'NO KEY' CODE. I HAVE SINCE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. I HAVE TO START MY CAR IN EMERGENCY START MODE... ERGHH. MY CAR BEGAN BOGGING DOWN. MY CAR THEN BEGAN T…”
NHTSA complaint #11278489, 2019

Equipment 1

“THE PANIC BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB HAS NO DELAY. IF YOU PUSH IT ONE TIME, WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE, THE ALARM GOES OFF. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND I STALLED THE ENGINE WITH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I WENT TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN TO START THE ENGINE AND SINCE THE PANIC BUTTON IS ON THE SIDE OF THE KEY (FACING STRAIGHT UP, OR DOWN WHEN IN THE IGNITION). THE ALARM STARTED GOING OFF AND THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START. I WAS HOLDING BACK TRAFFIC, SCRAMBLING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED AS THE ACTION WAS COMPLETELY UNINTENTIONAL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. OTH…”
NHTSA complaint #10703283, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 1

“ACTUATED WASH WIPE ON RENTAL VEHICLE ON OPEN FREEWAY NEAR FLAGSTAFF, AZ ON A SUNNY DAY. THE WASH SPRAYED PROPERLY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS STARTED WIPING AND THEN THE BLADE ON THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER SLID UP AND OUT OF THE BLACK PLASTIC CLIP. THIS LEFT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WITH FLUID STILL SPRAYING ON THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT A BLADE TO WIPE IT OFF THE GLASS. THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER BLADE CAME FULLY OUT OF THE CLIP AND FLEW OVER ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPRAY AND WIPERS STOPPED AFTER THE NORMAL LENGTH CYCLE. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SEE OUT OF PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD THAT H…”
NHTSA complaint #10691137, 2015

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta draws about 16.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 5 of 13 among the Volkswagen Jetta model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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