Mk7
2015 Volkswagen Golf
The most reported problem on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf is airbag, with 21 complaints, usually around 44,000 miles.
- 131owner complaints
- 12recalls
- 7involved a crash
- 26,092median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf has 131 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 151 for 2015 hatchbacks on this site. Of the 8 Golf model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2015 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, airbag, covers 21 of the 131 complaints (16%), and suspension is next with 15 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 13 owners who gave a mileage for airbag saw it by about 28,000 miles, and half by about 44,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 14 of the 131 complaints (11%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 7 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 14 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 7, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 12 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2015 at 20 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 3. So far in 2026, 5 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: airbag warning light or recall, 21 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
131 complaints is 2.1 times fewer than the median 2015 model on this site and about the median for a 2015 hatchback. Among the 2 Golf model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen filed 1,147 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2015 Volkswagen Golf. 52 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 21 complaints
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag igniter resistance too high -N95
Grinding noises can be heard from the area of the steering wheel/driver airbag or steering column when maneuvering OR Various controls, warnings or fault indicators, such as airbag, electronic stabilization programming (ESP), steering assist etc., light up ...
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 7 bulletins · 15 complaints
What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut.
How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut
5 more on this problem
Technical Bulletin on how to service Vibration or noise when braking may be due to brake disc corrosion protection which has not been completely removed by normal braking or surface rust built up during transportation.
Technical Bulletin about a customer concern stating that customer observed one or more of the shocks/struts appearing to have an oil leak. Document contains examples of Strut or Shock Absorber Leak Assessments
Addressess Vibration or noise when braking may be due to brake disc corrosion protection which has not been completely removed by normal braking or surface rust built up during transportation.
Technical Bulletin (Brake Disc Pulsation or Vibration): When applying brakes at highway speeds the following symptoms may occur: ? Brake pedal pulsation ? Vibration felt in vehicle body ? Steering wheel shakes For brake vibration or pulsation concerns, brake ...
Recommend inspecting both front struts (including the protective sleeves / dust covers), for suspension blocks that might not have been completely removed during PDI. Remove any suspension blocks found and retest for concern.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 2 bulletins · 9 complaints
Tech Bullentin concerning Electric Coolant Fans that Continue to Run after Ignition is Switched OFF
Tech Tips (Coolant Leak or Repeat Coolant Leak from the Water Pump Area): The document informs to inspect for issues, and why issues may happen. It also notes how to fix the issue, and other issues that could happen while repairing the issue
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 8 bulletins · 8 complaints
Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation. Addition of mandatory brake form and reference to Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual.
Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation Instruction (U.S. Only)
6 more on this problem
Brake disc Pulsation or Vibration repair instruction
Technical Bulletin (Vibration or Noise When Braking): Vibration or noise when braking may be due to brake disc corrosion protection which has not been completely removed by normal braking or surface rust built up during transportation.
Technical Bulletin: Vibration or Noise When Braking issues are addressed
Tech Tips (ABS/TPMS light is on due to wheel speed sensor fault as a result of the Front Wheel Bearing / Wheel Speed Sensor swapping issue): This document informs of the Damage caused from swapping the speed sensors left to right (or vice versa) during ...
Vibration or noise when braking may be due to brake disc corrosion protection which has not been completely removed by normal braking or surface rust built up during transportation.
Brake Disc Pulsation or Vibration (U.S. Only)
Check engine light or misfire 26 bulletins · 6 complaints
Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire
24 more on this problem
Turbocharger wastegate stuck, DTCs P2563 and or P00AF stored in engine/motor control module.
Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
Diagnostic Aid for engine misfire.
Recommended fuel additive to avoid engine misfires.
Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
Diag and repair direction for P0401/P2002
Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document
MIL-on P0420 and/or P0430 in the ECM
The Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board have determined that Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder TDI engine do not comply with applicable emissions regulations.
Plus 14 older ones not listed here.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 5 bulletins · 5 complaints
Updated diagnostic direction to address new concerns in regards to Apply CarPlay Connection on MIBII equipped vehicles. Update models and model year applicability.
Update to existing information to address phone concerns via bluetooth resulting from saved emoji information
3 more on this problem
Repair direction to address fault code B201A that sets after replacement of the J794 infotainment module. Include model year 2017 for all models with MIB2 radios
VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP COMMUNICATION (Modular Infotainment System Software): This document informs of Customer complaints of infotainment-related symptoms.. The corrective action taken for this issue is a software update.
Technical Bulletin (Modular Infotainment System (MIB) Radio Switches to FM Station 87.7): The customer may complain that, intermittently, the FM radio station will have switched to the station 87.7 upon start up.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 2 bulletins · 5 complaints
Summary of Technical Bulletin to include additional model and model year applicability. Corrosion, Front Fenders, at Upper Wheel Opening (U.S. Only)
This can be the due to the Encoder Ring being ground down on the wheel bearing hub unit, resulting in a damaged part.
Complaints filed by year
20 complaints came in 2015. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647). Closed jul 1, 2024, led to recall 24V-110.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2015 Volkswagen Golf
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI 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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at 1-800-253-2834.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to May 12, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front stabilizer links, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40K9/1W.
All 12 recalls on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf?
Airbag, with 21 of the 131 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 44,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2015 Volkswagen Golf problems start?
Of the 75 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 6,000 miles and half by about 26,000.
How many 2015 Volkswagen Golf complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
14 of them (11%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for airbag on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 15V-627. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.