2015 Volkswagen Jetta Powertrain (other) Problems

Vehicle Information •Make / Model / Year: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE •VIN: [XXX] Recall Information (if known) •Camshaft recall: 23R1 (2016) •ECM software update: 24DR (2020) Description of Problem: My 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE experiences loss of power while driving, where the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate properly, especially when driving uphill. This creates an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle previously received recall repairs for the camshaft (23R1) and ECM software (24DR). Despite these recall repairs being completed, the same symptoms persist, indicating the recall may not have fully resolved the defect. I reported this issue to Volkswagen Customer CARE under case number [XXX], but the concern remains unresolved. I am filing this complaint to document that this is an ongoing safety concern, post-recall, that has not been resolved by Volkswagen. I request NHTSA to review this unresolved post-recall safety issue and ensure Volkswagen investigates whether the original recall repairs fully corrected the defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11711278

Incident

Nov 30, 2016

I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during rush hour in the evening. It was congested with multiple avenues of transportation via buses, scooters, and pedestrian crosswalks. I started to lose power steering and the gas pedal would not accelerate the car, but the brakes still worked. I was able to coast the car to a stop & nearby a Midas car shop. Midas replaced the damaged oil pan and did not have any other damage reported. Midas informed me that my vehicle would not start, but failed to mention that the safety of my vehicle was compromised with rolled down windows. I inspected my car on 8.20.24, the battery was still working & powered the lights but the window power and engine would not operate. On 8.22.24 I paid for the work & noticed the windows were now rolled up & Midas said an employee used the power from the battery to override the window system but the car still would not start and needed to go to a dealership to access the engine codes for this hybrid vehicle. Towed the vehicle to VW, who said that Midas was not accurate in their description, as there were no access codes needed for the vehicle & it should have started once the oil pan was replaced. The VW diagnostic results showed a “bad” battery and the transmission failed/ stopped engaging and needed a replacement of the transmission along with the battery which would total $11K! The VW agent recommended that I contact other car repair companies to rebuild it for a more affordable solution. Midas and VW were the only car repair companies to evaluate my car and it is currently at VW where it can be inspected if needed. The safety recall code: 34J6, of 2015 VW Jetta Hybrids somehow exclude some VINs until owners had issues.

NHTSA ID

11612065

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

With no warning, the transmission/mechatronics unit in this 2015 Jetta Hybrid, reported an error code. This "error" results in the car not being able to enter the Hybrid (electric motor) mode when asked for by driver. Also, the car no longer goes into Stop/Start mode when stopped (engine cycles on and off). Car thus failed state inspection due to error code. Dealer tested and found code "P0841". Dealer reported failure in power train, needing a full replacement at over $7,000 cost. Review with VIN shows not within a Recall which was offered for this model. Yet failure seems to be same as that which led to Recall on same models. Dealer cannot verify the actual fault w/out a full tear down, which they don't want to do. Thus, they suggest a full replacement of transmission and control module (mechatronics). I feel the car should be repaired by manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11534529

Incident

Jul 26, 2023

The transmission of the 2015 VW Jetta Hybrid failed at about 81,000 miles. The transmission began to behave erradically while it was idling, with the engine coming on and off every 5 seconds. The check engine light and EPC lights illuminated. I was able to get the vehicle to an auto parts store to check the codes. The codes that came back indicated that there was transmission related issues. Unfortunately the vehicle did not start again when I was ready to leave the auto part store and I had to tow it to the dealership. The local dealership indicated that there was metal fines in the transmisison fluid. Their workflow indicated that the transmission was shot. Please note that VW replaced the mechatronic unit of this transmission in 2019 at nearly 43.000 miles and there's a recall on transmissions for this vehicle's model. However, the VIN of my vehichle was not included in the recall. We were grateful that the transmission begin to fail while we were in a large city, as we had traveled 8 hours already the day the transmission failed.

NHTSA ID

11531408

Incident

Jun 16, 2023

The engine light on my 2015 VW Jetta Hybrid was enabled and my car stuttered and stopped while idling at stop lights, and in some cases projected my car forward slightly while pressing the brake. I brought my vehicle for diagnosis and was told that the cause was failure from the mechatronics unit and that my car should essentially be scrapped since they cannot locate a replacement part. I understand that this is a significant safety issue as the engine can simply stop working at any time. I have learned that my VIN was included in the NHTSA recall 19V-866 for the "Interim repair" portion of the recall, but it was NOT included in the "Part 573" final remedy portion of the recall, which included a corrective action to "install a mechatronic unit repair kit". As my VIN number was somehow removed from the second step of this recall, it has now posed a significant safety issue. I have read a similar complaint on this site that was posted in February of this year for this same issue and car model. I completely concur with that consumer that more investigation on this recall needs to be done to allow for additional VINs to be included in this recall. I believe my vehicle should have been included in the repair portion of this recall - which may have been an error on the part of VW.

NHTSA ID

11523661

Incident

May 15, 2023

After running multiple errands the car will fail to start. Usually after 5-10 minutes it will start again. Every time it will crank but not fully. Lights and blinkers are operational still as well. I have taken it to the Volkswagen three times for repair each time was unsuccessful. The first time the speedometer cluster was repaired, then the wires were worked on, then the whole battery was replaced and it still is not fixed. Not only does it have issues starting but it also shuts off while driving which is a safety concern. I noticed there was a recall on this issue before so it seems to be a recurring issue.

NHTSA ID

11516705

Incident

Oct 4, 2022

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium with less than 60,000 miles has multiple error codes for transmission and VW dealership/service shop advised only solution is to replace the transmission. Apparently my VIN is not included in NHTSA recall 19V866000 (certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission) but based on the current situation I believe it should have been. It is my understanding that this situation presents a major safety issue. I bought this vehicle certified pre-owned from a VW dealership and have put just over 10k miles on it in the three (3) years I have owned it. Without the excessive cost of replacing the transmission, which was damaged through no fault of my own, the car is worth "maybe $100 for scrap" per the dealership/service shop. This appears to be a fairly prevalent issue and I implore you to investigate further. I am confident additional VINs should be included in the recall, perhaps with transmissions built by subcontractors other than the one at issue in recall 19V866000, but still (clearly) not properly constructed.

NHTSA ID

11509882

Incident

Feb 24, 2023

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, 73,000 miles mechatronic transmission failure. Vehicle repeatedly experiences loss of power/stalling and low and highway speeds. Losing power at any speed, specially highway speeds is a SAFETY issue. VW service shop has diagnosed issue as mechatronic transmission failure, hairline cracks, loss of fluid and gear damage sustained in transmission. VW service acknowledged the transmission damage is the same as ongoing recall. Transmission will need to be replaced. VW service shop advised vehicle VIN is not covered under current NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train). VW service advised VW will have to include this vehicle/issue under a recall for them to fix it without cost to me. Safety issues, symptoms, and diagnosis is succinct to that documented in 19V866000. VW customer service was contacted and advised that due to the vehicle VIN not included in current NHTSA campaign, it is not covered. VW is dodging responsibility in fixing this prevalent safety failure in Jetta Hybrids which makes the vehicle a safety hazard and worthless when considering the $10,000 repair estimate. They must me held accountable!!

NHTSA ID

11489074

Incident

Aug 10, 2022

This is a NEW REPORT ON THE 3RD TRANSMISSION in the same vehicle where I previously reported a Failure, of the 2nd xmission, As a safety concern. My particular part number has not been recalled, but OTHER transmissions for this model have been recalled. At the time of the failures, all 3 of the failed transmissions SEEM to be doing their job normally, but evidently this was enough of a safety issue that the entire transmission needed to be replaced. My previous report gave the failure codes, and part #'s of xmissions #1 and #2. Xmission #4 to be installed soon. The Xmission signals it is going to fail only on Vagcom; as a driver I had no idea that it could be dangerous on 3 times for the same vehicle, I would think that the NTHSA would be interested in looking at it. In the previous report I gave the failure codes and part numbers. The third transmission had the same part number as the 2nd transmission. Current VW engineer hypothesizes failure on the wrong shims placed in the clutch of this transmission, but has not examined its insides. The car is at Crown VW in Lawrence Ks- the regional engineer and regional manager both came out to see it. They lack confidence that a 4th Xmission will last 20,000 miles, as they have offered me a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty, + a nontransferable extension for an additional 6 months/6000 miles., The 3rd clutch continued to make a noise while it was "seating" after it was returned to me; my mileage decreased. There may be more that they are not telling me. My previous consumer complaint number with NHTSA is 11456871. On this same model, but different part numbers NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V866000. See Consumer complaint numbers 11444363, 11441044, 11307811, 11252546, 11030403, 10946203.These mostly involve clutch fails&low oil pressure +/- hairline fractures. 3 fails on same xmission is more problematic than 1 fail on 2 cars.

NHTSA ID

11475787

Incident

Jul 21, 2022

At 22,000 miles I took the vehicle in for routine servicing with no apparent transmission problems and was told it needed a warrantee repair. The part number was 0 CG 300045H011. The codes on their computer assessment was P189A, collect clearance; P073A (stuck in fifth gear) and P073F(unable to change 1st gear).Crown VW in Lawrence Kansas treated me nicely and it took 6 weeks to get the parts to make the repair. I assumed they knew what happened and there was a reason for it. After the check engine light came on, it developed a rough idle when it was warm, but not while cold. No apparent problems driving. That was also true the first time the Xmission needed to be replaced. . The computer now gave us the codes P17BF–hydraulic pump; and P0841, transmission fluid pressure sensor A performance . the cars' second transmission was part #0CG300045H015 II understand that this VIN is not part of 2015 Volkswagen Jetta hybrid campaign #19 5866000.Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J6 On both occasions I did not recognize a problem with the Xmission. These are low mileage transmissions. They cannot tell me why these failure codes appear. They are not trained to open up and look inside the transmissions. I spoke to Patrick B in customer care at 800 9228987. He was unable to provide any information. The people at crown have been nice and cooperative. I do not know why either transmission failed. I do not know if it put me in danger. I do not know if the next transmission will have the same problem. I do not know if it is ethical to sell this vehicle once the transmission is replaced. I do not know if lemon Laws apply. They do not know if this defect puts me at risk for a sudden catastrophic failure. The car is currently in the shop at Crown Volkswagen in Lawrence Kansas. It will take 6 weeks For the part when the ports were workingI do not know if this is the right place to report this.

NHTSA ID

11456871

Incident

Feb 28, 2022

The car was stalling at stops and the engine warning light came on. We took it into Autometrics (509) 766-2002 in Moses Lake, WA. They informed us that the transmission was cracked and needed to be replaced or it would ruin the engine. In researching this problem my wife found a recall 34J6. This recall covers Hybrids from 2013 to 2015 for this very problem. our car was manufactured in February of 2015. Called Volkswagan of North America. They informed me that the recall was vin specific and that our vin was not included even though the problem is the same. The car has not been inspected by the manufacture as of this filing, The car is currently stored under a car cover at our home. Can you please help revolve this dispute over the recall inclusion. Thanks

NHTSA ID

11444363

Incident

Dec 3, 2021

In the past few months, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road on various occasions. It was taken to a VW dealer, who found nothing wrong with it. On November 11, 2021, the vehicle stopped in the street, and would no longer move, forward or reverse. It was towed to a VW dealer, who found that the transmission had failed. Currently, we are attempting to reach VW corporate to find out our options.

NHTSA ID

11441044

Incident

Nov 11, 2021

THE HORN KEEP MALFUNCTIONING IT WORKS SOMETIMES THE CAR DON'T HAVE LOSE POWER WHEN I GO UP HILLS AND SMOKE IS COMING FROM TAIL PIPE

NHTSA ID

11382968

Incident

Feb 21, 2019

Mileage

35,000 mi

MY WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED AS MY CAR WAS IN LIMP MODE. 2 AND HALF WEEKS LATER MY LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND AFTER DRIVING IT TO WORK ONE DAY IT DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT SO I HAD IT TOWED. AT TIME OF TOWING NOTICED I WAS LEAKING FLUID. TURNS OUT IT WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID AND I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION ON A 5 YEAR OLD CAR. THIS CAR HAS HAD 3 ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND ONLY ONE WAS A RECALL BUT EACH PROBLEM BUT THE CAR IN LIMP MODE CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION NOT TO SHIFT PROPERLY. *TR

NHTSA ID

11320448

Incident

Mar 17, 2020

Mileage

62,500 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HESITATED BETWEEN GEARS AND EVENTUALLY WENT INTO A NEUTRAL STATE WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. VERY CLOSE TO AN ACCIDENT. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE AND ALREADY HAVE RECALLS AGAINST CERTAIN VIN BUT SHOULD BE FOR ALL VIN'S. HYBRID SYSTEM ERROR DISPLAYED ALONG WITH SHIFT SELECTOR BLINKING FROM DRIVE TO A WRENCH. CALLED VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY ABRUPTLY INTERRUPTED ME AND STATED THEY WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS. VERY SUSPICIOUS.

NHTSA ID

11307811

Incident

Feb 6, 2020

Mileage

137,000 mi

PRE-MATURE CAMSHAFT FAILURE. LOBE FOR NUMBER 2 CYLINDER. NO COMPRESSION. 80K MILES. DRIVING 65MPH ON INTERSTATE, ENGINE LIGHTS LIT UP THE DASHBOARD, CAR STUMBLED, HAD TO PULL OFF THE SIDE AND LIMP TO THE NEXT EXIT.

NHTSA ID

11252546

Incident

Apr 18, 2019

Mileage

80,500 mi

I AM WRITING TO ADVISE YOU OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I OWN A 2015 JETTA. AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, AND USUALLY AFTER PASSING THROUGH STANDING WATER, THE CAR LOSES POWER AND STALLS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. I FIRST TOOK THE CAR TO MY OWN MECHANIC, AN EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN WITH A MAJOR REPAIR FRANCHISE. HE WAS UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE PROBLEM RECURRED, I TOOK IT BACK AND HE AGAIN TESTED IT BUT WAS UNABLE TO SAY FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS AN AIR INTAKE IN THE FRONT END THAT MIGHT HAVE TAKEN IN WATER AND CAUSED THE ISSUE. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP (BURLINGTON VOLKSWAGEN) AND THEY WERE ALSO UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC THERE ALSO INDICATED THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO WATER ENTERING THE AIR INTAKE IN THE FRONT END. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS WOULD BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE THROUGH PUDDLES, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A PRACTICAL SOLUTION. I THEN ASKED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY OPTION THE REPRESENTATIVE THERE OFFERED WAS FOR ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER VW DEAIERSHIP, WHICH I AM UNWILLING TO DO AT MY PERSONAL EXPENSE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY OWN AND MY WIFE'S SAFETY WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, BUT VOLKSWAGEN IS BASICALLY TELLING ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM SO THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I WOULD BE GLAD TO WORK WITH YOU ON THIS ISSUE, AND I HAVE ATTACHED THE VW MECHANIC'S REPORT.

NHTSA ID

11230219

Incident

Jun 13, 2019

Mileage

92,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY PRESS THE START BUTTON IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE RIPPLES IN THE CHARGING SYSTEM, LEAKAGE IN THE TRANSMISSION, AND LEAKAGE FROM THE TURBO THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHUTTER GRILL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. *TT VW REFUSED TO ACCEPT ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANICS DIAGNOSE AND TO DARK VW SLATES NOT HAPPENING. DEFECT TIRES, WINDOWS, SMELL FROM HEATER DETECT SHOCKS, SHUTS. RADIO GETS HOT, VW WAS TOLD SHUTTER GNULL BUT CANNOT DIAGNOISE THE PROBLEM AND STARTING PROBLEM AND KEY SYSTEM VW HEADQUARTERS HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF ALL ISSUES. TO DATE CAR WILL NOT START NUMEROUS TIMES. CONSUMER TURBO, NOISE IN THE ENGINE, LEAKS, VW FAILED TO DIAGNOISE/ OUTSIDE MECHANIC DIAGNOSE IT. *JB

NHTSA ID

11173920

Incident

Feb 1, 2017

Mileage

42,000 mi

PUTTING A NEW BATTERY IN EVERY MONTH START PUSH START BUTTON WILL NOT WORK AIRBAG LIGHT OFF AND ON FRONT HEADLIGHTS PARKING LIGHTS BLOW EVERY 2 WEEKS

NHTSA ID

11138886

Incident

Oct 5, 2018

ACCELERATION FALLS FLAT UNEXPECTEDLY OFF THE LINE. EVER SINCE THE RE-PROGRAM OF THE TDI AFFECTED VEHICLES THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE QUICKLY AT FIRST WHEN GIVEN GOOD THROTTLE (70%+), BUT THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN AT 30-40MPH OR SO IT WILL TOTALLY FALL FLAT ALL OF A SUDDEN, AND DANGEROUSLY SO. IT JUST COMPLETELY LOSES POWER, AND BEING A DIESEL, IT DECELERATES FAIRLY QUICKLY. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE IT'S HAPPENED, SO MUCH SO, I KNOW BETTER THAN TO EVEN TRY ANYMORE. WHEN PULLING OUT IN CHICAGO TRAFFIC THIS CAN DEFINITELY BITE YOU IN THE REAR. IT ALMOST SEEMS WORSE IN 'SPORT' MODE ALSO. I SOLD THESE CARS FOR ALMOST 8YRS AND I NEVER DROVE ONE THAT ACTED LIKE THIS. I THINK THEY NEED NEW PROGRAMS, THE CURRENT ONES ARE NOT ONLY WEAK, BUT DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID

11096648

Incident

May 17, 2018

Mileage

49,000 mi

MY NEW 2015 VW JETTA HAD 3 CLUTCH FAILURES. THIS OCCURRED ON HIGHWAYS IN SC, NC AND WVA IN 2015,2016AND 2017. EACH TIME IT WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE CLUTCH SYSTEM. THE FIX DID NOT WORK. EACH TIME THERE WAS DANGER FROM POSSIBLE AN ACCIDENT. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANY MORE. I AM 81 YEARS OLD AND HAVE OWNED 6 VEHICLES WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSION AND HAD NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANY OF THOSE VEHICLES. I NEED HELP.

NHTSA ID

11030403

Incident

Sep 16, 2015

Mileage

8,670 mi

THE PROBLEM IS THE CLUTCH FAILURE IN THE 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION.. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE CLUTCH HAS FAILED, PREVENTING THE CAR GOING INTO GEAR. IT LEFT US STRANDED. THIS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A SLIGHT BURNING ODOR. WE FEEL THIS LEAVES US IN DANGER AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. WE HESITATE TO DRIVE IT ON ANY LONG TRIP. VW WARRANTS THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES. THE WARRANTY STATES THAT CLUTCH REPLACEMENT DUE TO WEAR IS EXCLUDED FROM THE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, I EXPLAINED TO ALL THAT WE HAVE HAD 6 AUTOS WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 60 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A CLUTCH FAIL ON US. THE CLUTCH IS A VERY TOUGH COMPONENT OF ANY CAR. VW HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE US FOR THIS LAST FAILURE AFTER MANY REQUESTS. MY CONTENTION IS THAT THE CLUTCH FAILURE MUST BE DUE TO SOME MECHANICAL FACTOR BEYOND OUR UNDERSTANDING. WE RECEIVED PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE FIRST FAILURE, BUT THAT OBVIOUSLY DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I ASKED FOR AND HAVE RETAINED THE DAMAGED COMPONENTS IN CASE THEY ARE NEEDED.

NHTSA ID

10946203

Incident

Aug 20, 2016

Mileage

21,600 mi

AIR CONDITIONING DECREASES OUTPUT BY 40-60% AFTER 80-150 MILES OF CONSTANT DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY DURING HOT DAYS [ABOVE 85 DEGREES] AND HIGH HUMIDITY [ABOVE 70 %}. DECREASE IN VOLUME OF AIR FROM VENT, WITH NO CHANGE OF AIR SPEED CONTROL AND MUCH WARMER AIR. AIR RECIRCULATION BUTTON IN "OFF" POSITION.HAVE TO STOP CAR FOR 10-15 MINUTES FOR EVAPORATOR TO DEFROST AND DRAIN ON PAVEMENT. AFTERWARDS, AC IS COLD FOR ANOTHER 60-100 MILES.TWO DIFFERENT VW DEALERS INDICATE NO BAD CODES FOR AIR CONDITIONER. CONTINUED TO OCCUR FIVE MORE TIMES IN SUMMER.

NHTSA ID

10779960

Incident

Jul 8, 2015

Mileage

14,000 mi