2015 Volkswagen GTI
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 54 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 66 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 178 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
41% of complaints: engine — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON 12/20/2017, ENGINE FAILED @ 18050 MILES AND CAUSED INSTANTANEOUS LOSS OF POWER IN TRAFFIC. ENGINE FAILED DIRECTLY OFF LAKESHORE DRIVE IN CHICAGO, WHICH HAS NO SHOULDER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180207
13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel leak in the passenger rear wheel well. Called local Volkswagen dealership and was told the suction pump was replaced in 2016 as the originals were known for having defects causing the same issues I am currently having.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231013
12% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WAS DRIVING ALONG WITH TRAFFIC AND I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, THE ENGINE RPMS JUMPED AND THERE WAS A MASSIVE LOSS IN SPEED AND POWER. THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. PULLED OVER AS SOON AS WAS SAFE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150615
7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to May 12, 2014.
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.
Campaign 14V412000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 15V028000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 15V229000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016.
Campaign 16V647000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V412000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V028000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V229000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V647000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 Volkswagen GTI reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Volkswagen GTI is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen GTI?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen GTI have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.