What are the common problems with the 2015 VW Jetta?

The largest NHTSA complaint groups are electrical (49), engine (45), unknown or other (35) and power train (24). In the complaint texts we read, owners describe key and start button trouble, fuel smells and clutch or transmission trouble.

How many recalls does the 2015 Jetta have?

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2015 model year. They cover the brake vacuum pump, fuel rail, key removal, headlights, a passenger sensor, a seat recliner, a hybrid transmission and a regulatory issue.

What MPG does the 2015 Jetta get?

EPA combined ratings run from 26 to 35 MPG for the non-hybrid versions and 44 MPG for the hybrid.

Is the 2015 Jetta safe?

NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, 4 for frontal, 5 for side and 4 for rollover.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls and MPG

The 2015 Jetta has 197 owner complaints on file with NHTSA and 8 recalls, so the recall history is the first thing to check on a used one^[1]^[2]. Electrical and engine complaints are the largest groups^[3]^[4].

197owner complaints^[1]

8recalls^[2]

26–44MPG combined (EPA)^[5]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[6]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 197 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Jetta^[1]. Eight mention a crash and one mentions a fire. Nine injuries are reported and no deaths^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group.

The biggest groups:

Electrical system: 49 complaints, median mileage at failure 36,400^[3].
Engine: 45 complaints, median mileage 43,250^[4].
Unknown or other: 35 complaints, median mileage 49,000^[7].
Power train: 24 complaints, median mileage 49,000^[8].
Fuel/propulsion system: 19 complaints, median mileage 42,500^[9].
Brakes: 19 complaints, median mileage 23,500^[10].
Air bags: 17 complaints, with 4 crashes and 6 injuries^[11].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the engine, electrical, fuel and power train groups. Treat it as color, not as a measure of how often things go wrong.

Engine. In the sample we read, some owners describe waiting for the brake vacuum recall repair. Others describe stalling, hesitation or lost power^[4].
Electrical. In the sample we read, owners describe trouble with the key, the ignition or the start button^[3].
Fuel/propulsion. In the sample we read, owners describe a fuel smell or a fuel leak. Some also describe a leaking exhaust-fluid injector^[9].
Power train. In the sample we read, owners describe clutch or transmission trouble^[8].

Recalls

NHTSA lists eight recalls for this model year^[2], newest first. Some cover several models or other years too.

Hybrid transmission (19V866). Certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid cars have a gearbox control unit that can crack and leak transmission oil. Oil pressure drops, the clutch may not engage and the car can suddenly lose drive power, which raises crash risk. Dealers install a repair kit and replace parts as needed, free of charge^[12].
Regulatory non-compliance (19V679). Changes made to some vehicles during an internal evaluation period may mean they miss regulatory requirements. NHTSA lists 113 potentially affected units across several models^[13]. The risk is a higher chance of a crash, fire or injury, and the remedy is a repurchase of the vehicle^[13].
Key removal (19V615). Residue on a shift lever switch may let the key come out when the shifter is not in Park. The car could roll away. It applies to certain 2011-2018 Jettas with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. Dealers add a switch and a circuit board, free of charge^[14].
Brake vacuum pump (15V705). A camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off. Brake assist is lost and stopping distance grows. The fix is an engine control software update^[15].
Passenger sensor (15V627). The occupant detection system in some 2015 Jettas built from September 8 to November 28, 2014 may have been made wrong^[16]. The passenger front air bag could deploy improperly or not at all. Dealers replace the control module, free of charge^[16].
Fuel rail (15V028). A sealing cap on the fuel rail may fail and let fuel leak into the engine compartment. That can cause a fire if there is an ignition source. It applies to certain 2014-2015 Jettas built from March 28 to November 24, 2014^[17]. Dealers replace the fuel rails, free of charge^[17].
Headlights (14V790). Software in the headlight control module can switch off the low beams when the high beams go on, so light output may be too low. It covers certain 2015 Jettas built from July 11 to November 13, 2014^[18]. Dealers update the software, free of charge^[18].
Seat recliner (14V670). On certain 2015 Jettas with manual front seatback recliners, a bracket may not engage right, so the driver's seatback can move unexpectedly. Dealers inspect the bracket and correct it as needed, free of charge^[19].

Several recalls apply only to certain build dates or equipment. Check your own VIN on NHTSA's recall page before you rely on a clean result.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions of the 2015 Jetta. Figures are city / highway / combined MPG.

Version	MPG	Source
1.4L turbo hybrid, Automatic (AM-S7), Premium^[5]	41 / 48 / 44
2.0L turbo, Diesel, Manual 6-spd^[20]	30 / 44 / 35
2.0L turbo, Diesel, Automatic (AM-S6)^[21]	31 / 43 / 35
1.8L turbo, Regular, Manual 5-spd^[22]	25 / 36 / 29
1.8L turbo, Regular, Automatic (S6)^[23]	25 / 36 / 29
2.0L, Regular, Manual 5-spd^[24]	25 / 34 / 28
2.0L turbo, Premium, Automatic (AM-S6)^[25]	24 / 32 / 27
2.0L turbo, Premium, Manual 6-spd^[26]	23 / 33 / 26
2.0L, Regular, Automatic (S6)^[27]	22 / 33 / 26

The hybrid is the most efficient at 44 combined MPG^[5]. Among the others, the two diesels reach 35 combined^[20]^[21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4-door front-wheel-drive Jetta 5 stars overall^[6]. Frontal is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 11.1%^[6].

Engine and size

EPA test car horsepower ratings for 2015:

1.4L 4-cylinder: 150 hp^[28]
1.8L 4-cylinder: 170 hp^[29]
2.0L 4-cylinder: 115 to 210 hp depending on version^[30]

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications. Every sedan version lists the same size: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 57 in and wheelbase 104 in^[31]^[32]^[33]^[34]^[35]. Curb weight changes by version.

Version	Curb weight
2.0L^[33]	2,804 lb
1.8L TSI^[31]	3,007 lb
GLI 2.0L^[35]	3,124 lb
2.0 TDI^[32]	3,241 lb
Turbo hybrid^[34]	3,311 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Jetta model year. The 2015 is highlighted^[2].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	220	4
1996	31	1
1997	54	1
1998	192	2
1999	349	6
2000	439	4
2001	668	6
2002	704	5
2003	458	2
2004	233	2
2005	248	4
2006	580	4
2007	201	4
2008	190	4
2009	905	6
2010	875	5
2011	640	8
2012	527	6
2013	633	7
2014	441	7
2015	197	8
2016	164	4
2017	160	6
2018	31	2
2019	549	11
2020	54	6
2021	69	4
2022	43	1
2023	43	0
2024	46	0
2025	30	2
2026	6	1

NHTSA counts 197 complaints and 8 recalls for the 2015 Jetta^[2]. The 2014 model year has 441 complaints and 7 recalls, and 2016 has 164 complaints and 4 recalls^[2]. Only 2019 lists more recalls (11), and 2011 lists the same number (8)^[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so a lower count does not prove a more reliable car.

Should you buy a used 2015 Jetta?

The complaint count of 197 is lower than the 441 for 2014, but this model year has 8 recalls^[2]. Ask for proof that every recall that applies to the car has been done, and check the VIN yourself. Pay extra attention to the brake vacuum pump, fuel rail and key removal recalls^[15]^[17]^[14]. If the car is a hybrid, also confirm the transmission recall^[12]. A pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step, since the complaint samples we read mention fuel smells and clutch or transmission trouble^[8]^[9].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2015 VW Jetta?: The largest NHTSA complaint groups are electrical (49), engine (45), unknown or other (35) and power train (24)^[3]^[4]^[7]^[8]. In the complaint texts we read, owners describe key and start button trouble, fuel smells and clutch or transmission trouble^[3]^[8]^[9].
How many recalls does the 2015 Jetta have?: NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2015 model year^[2]. They cover the brake vacuum pump, fuel rail, key removal, headlights, a passenger sensor, a seat recliner, a hybrid transmission and a regulatory issue^[12]^[13]^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18]^[19].
What MPG does the 2015 Jetta get?: EPA combined ratings run from 26 to 35 MPG for the non-hybrid versions and 44 MPG for the hybrid^[25]^[26]^[20]^[21]^[24]^[22]^[23]^[27]^[5].
Is the 2015 Jetta safe?: NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, 4 for frontal, 5 for side and 4 for rollover^[6].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 197 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta (8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Jetta model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
49 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,400). NHTSA vehicle records
45 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,250). NHTSA vehicle records
EPA rating for Jetta Hybrid, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 41 city / 48 highway / 44 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
35 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
24 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
19 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,500). NHTSA vehicle records
19 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,500). NHTSA vehicle records
17 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 19V866, filed December 6, 2019: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V679, filed September 25, 2019: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V615, filed August 22, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V705, filed October 26, 2015: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V627, filed October 7, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor / Control Module-Inactive . NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V028, filed January 23, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V790, filed December 15, 2014: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V670, filed October 24, 2014: Seats. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 44 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 31 city / 43 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Volkswagen Jetta with 1.4L 4-cylinder: rated 150 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Volkswagen Jetta with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Volkswagen Jetta with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 115 to 210 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4DR SEDAN 1.8L TSI: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,007 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4DR SEDAN 2.0 TDI: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,241 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4DR SEDAN 2.0L: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,804 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4DR SEDAN TURBO HYBRID: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,311 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA GLI 4DR SEDAN 2.0L: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,124 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta: problems, recalls and fuel economy