FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2015 Volkswagen GTI
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 97 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen GTI, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 857 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 9 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 10 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 11 |
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 13 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 14 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 15 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 16 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 17 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 19 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 20 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 21 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 22 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 23 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 24 |
| Feb 2019 | 3 | 27 |
| Apr 2019 | 2 | 29 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 30 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 31 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 32 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 33 |
| Nov 2019 | 3 | 36 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 37 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 39 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 41 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 42 |
| May 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 45 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 47 |
| Aug 2020 | 3 | 50 |
| Sep 2020 | 2 | 52 |
| Dec 2020 | 2 | 54 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 55 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 56 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 57 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 58 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 59 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 60 |
| Oct 2021 | 2 | 62 |
| Nov 2021 | 4 | 66 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 67 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 68 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 69 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 71 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 72 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 73 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 75 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 76 |
| Jan 2023 | 2 | 78 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 79 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 81 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 82 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 84 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 85 |
| Jul 2024 | 5 | 90 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 91 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 93 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 94 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 95 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 96 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 97 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine4038.8%
- Fuel system2019.4%
- Powertrain (other)1211.7%
- Brakes76.8%
- Steering65.8%
- Electrical43.9%
- Body & structure43.9%
- Airbags32.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE; STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0 with an improved version, Version 1.1. The SJP is designed to purge fuel from the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. VW’s recall filing stated the SJP may have been damaged during assembly, which could potentially allow fuel to flow directly into the EVAP system. Over time, the fuel could accumulate in, and cause a leak from, the charcoal canister filter element. ODI received consumer complaints of SJP failure leading to a fuel leak, refueling spit back, refueling shutoff, and/or fuel odor in vehicles previously repaired under recall 16V-647. Additional complaints alleging SJP failure leading to the previously stated outcomes were received in vehicles outside the scope of recall 16V-647, including MY 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. VW issued recall 24V-110 on February 14, 2024, to address issues with SJPs Versions 1.0 and 1.1. The recall remedy replaces the SJP Version 1.0 or 1.1 with an improved version, Version 2.0. Recall 24V-110 covers certain MY 2015-2020 VW Golf (including Golf GTI), 2015-2020 Audi A3, and 2019-2020 VW Jetta GLI vehicles, including vehicle previously repaired under 16V-647. Vehicle owners were notified of this recall in April 2024 and VW’s projected date for owner notification of recall remedy availability is August 2024. In view of the recall being conducted by VW, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Bought car recently and it came from the dealer with an exlamation point light, audible warning and message in the screen saying "ERROR: Service vehicle. Only leave vehicle in P position". i can also take my key out of the car when not in park. im pretty sure it is a microswitch or entire gear shifter mechanism depending. It is the same thing that happened for Compliance Recall 37L5. copying and pasting info regarding 37L5. Compliance Recall 37L5 – Shift Lever Micro Switch What vehicles are included in Compliance Recall 37L5? Certain 2015-2018 model year Volkswagen Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. What is the concern for Compliance Recall 37L5? Over time, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can make it possible to remove the key from the ignition switch without the shift lever being in the "P" Park position. This makes the vehicle noncompliant with 49 CFR 571.114 Standard No. 114 Theft protection and rollaway prevention. If the ignition key is removed without the shift lever being in the "P" Park position, there is a risk that the vehicle may roll away, resulting in a crash that could injure people and damage property. What is the repair for Compliance Recall 37L5? When parts become available, dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board.The recall repair will be FREE. *** old, parts are probably out now When will the repair for Compliance Recall 37L5 be available? This recall repair is not yet available. *outdated, probably available already Are there any precautions I should take because my vehicle is part of Compliance Recall 37L5? Yes. If this condition is present in the vehicle, an audible warning sound and failure message may appear in the instrument cluster. If this happens, owners are advised to contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer immediately and make arrangements to have the vehicle serviced.
- NHTSA ID
- 11726254
- Incident
- Mar 10, 2026
Recall service was performed on the fuel system. The vehicle was operating normally before the recall. Shortly after the recall service, the fuel gauge failed and became stuck at mid-level. Dealer refuses to cover the repair and claims it is unrelated, but the timing and failure of another fuel system component suggests otherwise. This presents a safety issue because the driver cannot determine fuel level or range and may impact other recalled vehicles and should be included in the repair of the fuel system. The recall that was performed on the vehicle was "Safety Recall 20UF - Suction Jet Pump". I believe the timing of the failure suggests that the recall work impacted the vehicle fuel system and I don't believe it's fair for customers following safety recalls to be punished and required to pay for further damages caused from a recall on the vehicle.
- NHTSA ID
- 11697710
- Incident
- Sep 17, 2025
I purchased a vehicle from a dealer and there was an open recall for said vehicle. I was looking on the NHTSA.gov website and discovered a document mentioning that it is illegal for a dealership to sell a vehicle with an open & not fixed recall, prior to selling said vehicle. I am not entirely sure what this means for me and my vehicle but, I wanted to submit a claim just in case. Please contact me back if you require more information. I have scheduled a service at a certified Volkswagen dealership in my area to repair the suction jet pump recall for next Thursday (March 6) but, am afraid to drive the car until then as I started experiencing issues 2 days after the purchase of my GTI. Thank you.
- NHTSA ID
- 11644907
- Incident
- Feb 22, 2025
The chrome trim frame on the manual gear shift cover cracks and flakes off, causing dangerous sharp edges that have cut the hands of multiple members of my family. Same as the issue causing VW Service Action 34J7/34L9 except for manual transmission vehicles. Dealership looked up my VIN and said no recall or Service Action was available even though they know it's a common issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11633737
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2023
The contact owned a 2015 Volkswagen GTI A7. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, while accelerating from a stop the vehicle was involved in a front collision caused by loose gravel on the road. The contact stated she lost control and drove into a ditch that struck a concrete culvert. The contact sustained minor injuries such as bruises on her elbows, knees, and head but did not require medical attention. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot which was then towed to the insurance lot for further investigation. A police report was filed. The insurance provider deemed the vehicle totaled and took it to a tow lot. Upon further investigation the contact related the failure to an unidentified recall however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11615479
- Incident
- Sep 12, 2024
- Mileage
- 85,000 mi
Shift boot trim near storage compartment has a metal coating that starts to flake off and is razor sharp. This frequently cuts myself and my wife and is dangerous enough to have issued a recall but apparently it is only for automatics. This is odd since both Auto and Manual have a similar problem that seems to be widespread on forums across the web. Service Action Code: 34J7/34L9
- NHTSA ID
- 11612907
- Incident
- Sep 5, 2024
On 8/1/2024 my housemate was driving this vehicle on the highway and another driver signaled to her that there was an issue with the vehicle. He put a white board outside of the drivers side window which said "gas is pouring out of the back of your car." There was no warning light to indicate that something was wrong and no prior leaking. When she arrived at home the fuel tank was nearly empty and she informed me of the problem. I asked her when she had filled the tank and she said approximately 2 days ago and that prior to starting her short drive today had over half a tank of fuel. I took the car to the gas station to try to fill the tank. I was unable to fill the tank as the shut off mechanism kept triggered at the fuel pump. I was able to get less than half a tank of gas into the vehicle, so that I could drive is less than 5 miles to the mechanic. During this drive I lost approximately 1/4 of a tank of fuel. After an analysis of the vehicle they determined that fuel was leaking through the carbon canister. They identified this as an issue related to a recalled suction jet pump seal. I had my vehicle towed to the VW dealership in order to complete the repair. I was informed that at that time the repair for the recall was unavailable. Their review of the vehicle noted that the carbon canister had overflowed and leaked. This is a direct result of the suction pump seal failing. I requested both from the dealer and VW directly that this repair be covered under the recall and they stated that the language in the recall prevents them from covering the expense of my repair even though this damage is listed as a potential result of their recalled parts failure. VW put me & my loved one at risk. Driving a car that is leaking fuel is extremely dangerous and they have skirted their responsibility as a business by refusing to cover a repair that is a direct result of their recalled parts failure. I have filed a report w/ VW directly and the case number is 06376308.
- NHTSA ID
- 11610397
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed; there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle, and the contact became aware of a fuel leak. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11605408
- Incident
- Jul 26, 2024
- Mileage
- 118,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.
ENGINE
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
ENGINE
Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
ENGINE
Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
AIR BAGS
Inquiries
ENGINE
Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 50.2 |
| 2023 | 6 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 27 | 6 | 0 | 56.5 |
| 2021 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 8 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 2019 | 179 | 4 | 2 | 51.8 |
| 2018 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 58.5 |
| 2017 | 52 | 2 | 1 | 58.0 |
| 2016 | 66 | 4 | 1 | 56.9 |
| 2015Viewing | 97 | 6 | 1 | 61.5 |
| 2014 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 55.5 |
| 2013 | 34 | 2 | 3 | 51.7 |
| 2012 | 40 | 2 | 3 | 52.9 |
| 2011 | 54 | 2 | 3 | 48.9 |
| 2010 | 53 | 1 | 1 | 44.1 |
| 2009 | 167 | 2 | 1 | 50.0 |
| 2008 | 67 | 1 | 1 | 42.1 |
| 2007 | 77 | 1 | 0 | 36.5 |
| 2006 | 43 | 2 | 0 | 45.8 |
| 2005 | 8 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2004 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2003 | 53 | 1 | 1 | 48.4 |
| 2002 | 124 | 2 | 2 | 54.5 |
| 2001 | 74 | 2 | 2 | 60.3 |
| 2000 | 45 | 3 | 2 | 53.8 |
| 1999 | 8 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1998 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 39.3 |
| 1997 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 35.0 |
| 1996 | 9 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1995 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 58.2 |
| 1994 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1993 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1992 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1991 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1990 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1989 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1988 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1987 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1986 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1985 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.