2015 Volkswagen GTI Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Volkswagen GTI, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4038.8%
- Fuel system2019.4%
- Powertrain (other)1211.7%
- Brakes76.8%
- Steering65.8%
- Electrical43.9%
- Body & structure43.9%
- Airbags32.9%
- Other / unspecified21.9%
- Suspension21.9%
- Visibility21.9%
- Driver assistance11.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Suction jet pump failed causing vehicle to have numerous issues and had to be repaired due to being unable to drive. Suction jet pump has a recall with no remedy. Repairs cost me $3369.39 and car was in the shop for 24 days while shop tried to locate recalled part from a distributor.
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was 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. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and the intake manifold, fuel injector, spark plugs, carbon block, and camshaft adjuster magnet were replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,630. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle started to show intermittent coolant gauge fluctuation with simultaneous loss of cruise control function. The coolant gauge would show cold, then hot. After visiting a dealer, a coolant leak was identified from a crack in the Thermostat/Water Pump housing along with corrosion in the coolant bottle. In addition, the trunk latch failed, likely from a faulty windshield washer fluid valve leaking onto the electrical equipment. All parts were replaced. Within another 3 months the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. All parts were repaired at a Volkswagen Dealer. The overheating of the engine and failure of the fuel pump could have caused engine failure and the car to lose immediate power, causing a fire or crash. The faulty rear door latch could have caused the door to open while driving. All of these issues occurred without warning. Check engine light, EPC and disabled cruise control lights came on at the time of the problem. The vehicle also restricted the speed of the car and maximum RPMs allowed.
Plastic Thermostat Housing Failure-- Cracks and leaking coolant. While getting an oil change done at a local Volkswagen dealership, the mechanic pointed out that there is a coolant leak and showed me where the leak is coming from (Thermostat housing/water pump) The coolant is slowly seep out of the crack on the underside of the thermostat housing, I have been adding coolant every other week. As the loss of coolant often trips the low coolant warning if the level isn't maintained. I feel like I'm not the only one with this issue, after reading online Volkswagen community. Many 2015-2020 GTI owners are also having the same problem. The car overheated couple times when stuck in New York traffic, I would like Volkswagen manufacture to address this issue and give all the GTI owners an explanation to why their part fails less than a few years of ownership.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The emergency parking hand brake won't engage until after around an average of 5 attempts. The hand brake button and spring behind it is also loose and pops off. I'm unable to drive with it on, or else it can pop off and fall to the floor. This causes issues as now I'm unable to use the emergency hand brake in an event of an emergency, which is what the purpose of the emergency hand brake is for.
ERROR. SERVICE VEHICLE. ONLY LEAVE VEHICLE IN P POSITION
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into park, a message displayed reading "Please Place the Vehicle in Park," failing to recognize that the shifter was already in park. The contact also stated that the failure prevented the doors from being locked manually or by using the key fob. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V464000 (Steering, Electrical System) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
ERROR. SERVICE VEHICLE. ONLY LEAVE VEHICLE IN P POSITION
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into park, a message displayed reading "Please Place the Vehicle in Park," failing to recognize that the shifter was already in park. The contact also stated that the failure prevented the doors from being locked manually or by using the key fob. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V464000 (Steering, Electrical System) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I WAS SENT A RECALL NOTICE FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA STATING THAT A MICRO SWITCH MAY BE FAULTY AND THAT I SHOULD SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION IMMEDIATELY. I SCHEDULED SERVICE AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. MORE RECENTLY, I RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE DETAILING THE RECALL AND REMEDY AND WAS TOLD AGAIN BY THE DEALERSHIP THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE.THIS SECOND RECALL NOTICE VERY CLEARLY STATES THAT THE REMEDY IS FOR THE DEALER TO INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SWITCH AND CIRCUIT BOARD AND THAT IT WILL TAKE ABOUT AN HOUR. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME THAT I WOULD RECEIVE A NOTICE TELLING ME TO GET MY CAR FIXED ASAP, BUT THERE IS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRIM PEELING FROM SHIFTER PRODUCES A RAZOR SHARP EDGE. CUT MY FINGER ON IT, PRETTY DEEP CUT, BLEEDING PROFUSELY. CUT FROM RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM FRONT CUBBY.
SHIFT BOOT CENTER TRIM CHROME PLASTIC IS PRONE TO CRACKING, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY CUT YOUR FINGERS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THE CLOCKSPRING BROKE, I HAVE AN AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT ON AND NONE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FUNCTIONS WORK INCLUDING THE HORN. MANY OF THE 2015 VW VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT THE GTI IS NOT APART OF THE RECALL.. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT'S THE CLOCKSPRING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TPMS SYSTEM FAILED TO WARN OF LOW PRESSURES, INCLUDING FLAT TIRES AND DRIVING ON A SPARE. TPMS FAILURES SHOULD "FAILSAFE" AND NOT FAIL SILENTLY.
THE DEALERSHIP LEFT THE SHIPPING BLOCKS/PUCKS/DISCS ON THE STRUTS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS EVIDENCED THROUGH MANY ONLINE FORUMS. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANY OTHERS CLAIM THAT THIS DOES NOT CAUSE A PROBLEM; HOWEVER, THE BLOCKS PREVENT THE SUSPENSION FROM DOING ITS JOB, WHICH IS ABSORBING IMPACT, IMPROVING BRAKING, AND HELPING THE WHEELS MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. I DROVE OVER 18000 MILES NOT REALIZING THAT THEY WERE ON (I JUST THOUGHT I HAVE A TIGHT SUSPENSION). I HAVE NOW LOST 4 TIRES (PREMATURE WEAR AND BUBBLES/PUNCTURES) AND HAVE DAMAGE TO THE STRUT AND STEERING KNUCKLE. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MISTAKE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY WE WERE NEVER INFORMED OF THE 3 RECALLS ON OUR 2015 VW GTI. STARTED INVESTIGATING AFTER OUR 2015 VW PASSAT HAS THE BAD AIRBAGS IN THEM. ALSO OWN THE GTI AND WE INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF THE BAD AIRBAGS ARE IN THERE TOO. THAT IS WHEN WE FOUND PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP WHICH WAS RECALLED IN JUNE 2015, WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED, ALSO A FUEL LEAK OF AN IGNITION SOURCE...NEVER NOTIFIED AND A LOOSE STABILIZER LINK IN THE STEERING. WHO WANTS TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WHY WERE WE NOT NOTIFIED OF THESE THREE RECALLS. WE NEVER MOVED, I WANT AN ANSWER AS THIS CAR IS ALWAYS IN USE. WE WERE REALLY UPSET WITH THE PASSAT THAT WE GOT RID OF IT AND THANK GOD WE HAD GOTTEN RID OF OUR OTHER NEW PASSAT LAST YEAR ONLY TO BUY ANOTHER LEMON AND UNSAFE VEHICLE FROM VW......THIS BEING THE GTI. PLEASE GET BACK TO US. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS LIFE THREATENING, YOU WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. YOU ARE IGNORING YOUR CUSTOMERS WHO AT ONE TIME LOVED THEIR VEHICLES....NOW THEY ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THEM....BUT STILL MUST PAY FOR THEM. MAYBE WE NEED A CAR REPLACEMENT FROM VW FOR THIS GTI FOR NOT LETTING US KNOW. NOT EVEN SURE IF THIS GTI HAS THE BAD AIRBAGS AS YOUR 800 NUMBER KEEPS ME ON THE LINE ON HOLD FOR OVER AN HOUR I JUST THINK YOU DON'T WANT TO ANSWER.
THE DEALERSHIP LEFT THE SHIPPING BLOCKS/PUCKS/DISCS ON THE STRUTS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS EVIDENCED THROUGH MANY ONLINE FORUMS. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANY OTHERS CLAIM THAT THIS DOES NOT CAUSE A PROBLEM; HOWEVER, THE BLOCKS PREVENT THE SUSPENSION FROM DOING ITS JOB, WHICH IS ABSORBING IMPACT, IMPROVING BRAKING, AND HELPING THE WHEELS MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. I DROVE OVER 18000 MILES NOT REALIZING THAT THEY WERE ON (I JUST THOUGHT I HAVE A TIGHT SUSPENSION). I HAVE NOW LOST 4 TIRES (PREMATURE WEAR AND BUBBLES/PUNCTURES) AND HAVE DAMAGE TO THE STRUT AND STEERING KNUCKLE. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MISTAKE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED MOLD FORMING IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AND UNKNOWN DEALER THAT WATER FROM THE WINDOW LINING DRAINED ONTO THE SEAT AND CAUSED THE MOLD BUILD UP. WATER ALSO ENTER THE VEHICLE AT THE SEAL ON THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR WINDOW AND ALSO THROUGH THE SPEAKER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHERRY HILL VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 2261 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002 WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 50,000.
EVERY TIME I USE THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER, A CASCADE OF WASHER FLUID SEEPS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FLOOR MAT. I'VE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 1 MONTH. ALSO, I'VE NOTICE EVERY TIME IT RAINS, THE CEILING ON MY GTI GETS VERY WET DUE TO A LEAK POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF THE SUNROOF. I'LL PROVIDE A PICTURE WHEN IT RAINS NEXT TIME. THIS VIDEO SHOWS THE SAME EXACT THING WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE IN THE VIDEO IS A 2016, MINE IS A 2015, BUT SAME ISSUE AND SAME LOCATION OF THE LEAK. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZLGGYDHFZCC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ERROR. SERVICE VEHICLE. ONLY LEAVE VEHICLE IN P POSITION
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .