repaired · 2026 Q2
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2015 Volkswagen GolfProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 131 owner complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf, most often about the engine. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-615 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Volkswagen Golf has problems
131 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
26Engine3 crash/fire/injury
21Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
18Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
16Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
15Suspension
14Power train
10Structure1 crash/fire/injury
8Service brakes
7Vehicle speed control
269 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 26 | 3 |
| Air bags | 21 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 1 |
| Suspension | 15 | 0 |
| Power train | 14 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 26 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2015 Volkswagen Golf recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Anti-theft: control module
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…
repaired · 2020 Q3
Springs: coil springs
Risk. If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Springs: coil springs
Risk. If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q2
Anti-theft: control module
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…
repaired · 2020 Q1
Unknown or other
Risk. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Exhaust system: emission control
Risk. As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: engine
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.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2016 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Steering
Risk. A loose stabilizer link may interfere with the vehicle's steering, requiring additional effort to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2015 vs. every other Golf year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Golf median. How we score
'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2015 Volkswagen Golf safety ratings
2015 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)Led to recall 24V-110
In owners' words
What Golf owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped the curb while driving, but he was able to regain control. The driver turned off the vehicle and restarted it. Recently, while reversing out of a parking spot and placing the vehicle into drive, there was sudden…
Thermostat housing and water pump are leaking coolant. It is available for inspection. It can cause my engine to overheat and/or fail while being used. It has been confirmed by a dealership. It has not been inspected by the police, manufacturer, or insurance company. There have been occasional…
While normally driving on the street, I noticed that the car started to overheat and could hear the radiator working to keep the heat level normal. I stopped and did not notice any leaks and added coolant to the car after I left it cool for about 3 hours. The problem went away but i still took it…
Own a 2015 Golf?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.