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2015 Volkswagen Golf Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202611 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2015 Volkswagen Golf Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf has 176 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.8/ 10

Based on 176 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

25 14.2%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 13.1%

AIR BAGS

19 10.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 9.7%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

15 8.5%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 14.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 25 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf has 176 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 14% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf are ENGINE (25), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23), AIR BAGS (19).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 113 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2015 Volkswagen Golf?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2014 Golf complaints2016 Golf complaints2017 Golf complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 25 of 25 systems

ENGINE

25 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN I'M IN TRAFFIC STOP AND GO BETWEEN 11MPH TO 18 MPH AT LOW RPM (1,100 TO 1,800 RPM) THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE SHAKING IN THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION LIKE I'M DRIVING A MANUAL CAR BUT MY CAR IS AUTOMATIC. NOW WHEN GOING UP A INCLINE AT 30 TO 33 MPH VEHICLE DOES THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

3/7/2015

THE PAINT NEAR A BOLT FOR ENGINE SUPPORT ON THIS ALLEGED NEW CAR IS DAMAGED, AND BARE METAL IS EXPOSED. AS THE RUST DEVELOPS, THE ENGINE SUPPORT MAY FAIL, AND THE ENGINE BLOCK MAY GO OUT OF POSITION. THIS CAN CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENT. BELOW IS THE PICTURE OF THE PAINT DAMAGE. THE WEB ADDRESS IS CASE SENSITIVE. HTTPS://LH3.GOOGLEUSERCONTENT.COM/-YVIYISDZMDO/VUVSSTKR7UI/AAAAAAAACBO/IEPTS_IAK4C/W1219-H914-NO/IMG_3189.JPG. *TR

5/2/2015

23 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES AN HOUR AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE WERE IN THE MID 90'S, TIME OF DAY WAS 6:00 PM, I HAD AIR CONDITIONING RUNNING AND SUNROOF AND INTERIOR SHADE TOTALLY CLOSED. AFTER THE EXPLOSION, THE SUNROOF WAS BOWED FROM THE INSIDE OUT (CONVEX CURVE) AND THE SAFETY GLASS WAS SHATTERED IN WEBLIKE PIECES. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND I WAS MISSING GLASS FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOF ABOUT THE SIZE OF AN OBLONG WATERMELON.

6/20/2015

CAR HAS SHUT DOWN AFTER STOPPING 4 TIMES NOW STARTING IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR LAST INCIDENT WAS 11 SEPT 2015 TOOK TO KALAMAZOO VW SERVICE DID NOT FIND ANY FAULT CODES ALSO KEY FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK CAR WITHIN RANGE OR NOT START VEHICLE WILL STATE KEY FOB NOT IN RANGE WHEN TRYING TO START WITH KEY IN CAR.

9/28/2015

21 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

19 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT RECOGNIZING OCCUPANT IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. AIRBAG IS OFF WITH SEAT OCCUPIED. CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE TO ASK ABOUT RECALL 69L6 WHICH DESCRIBES THIS PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD OUR VIN WAS NOT IN THE RECALL ALTHOUGH YOUR WEBSITE GIVES OUR MANUFACTURE DATE OF 18 JULY 2014 AS INSIDE THE RECALL RANGE. PERHAPS THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. AIRBAG LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES.

1/23/2016

I WAS DRIVING ON 210N PASADENA FWY WITH MY GIRLFRIEND AND OFF AVE43 AROUND 4AM. I TRIED TO TURN WHEEL FOR OFF BUT AIRBAG FROM WHEEL COME OUT WHILE I TURN OFF FWY AND THAT DAY I JUST WENT TO ONE OF VWDEALER FOR CHECK SOME THING AND AFTER THAT I GOT A LOGO OF VW ON MY HAND LIKE A TATTOO AND MY CAR IT WAS TOTAL LOSS. MY GIRLFRIEND SHE WAS PAIN INSIDE HER BACK BECAUSE WE BOTH GOT AN ACCIDENT FROM SOMEBODY HIT BEHIND MY CAR. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR AND FIRST TIME BUYER AND I NEVER KNOW ABOUT GAP INSURANCE ON THAT TIME I JUST BOUGHT FOR ABOUT 2MONTH AND STILL OWN THAT MONEY EFFECT TO MY CREDIT UNTIL NOW. MY JOB IS DRIVER AND I NEED A CAR SO HOW CAN I DO WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

12/4/2016

17 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS IN HAYWARD ON THE 880 FREEWAY (FLAT, DRY ROAD) IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, IN THE HOV LANE GOING ABOUT 40 MPH, AND MY VW E-GOLF JUST SHUT DOWN AND SHOWED THE ERROR "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE: STOP!". I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO COAST 5 FEET OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE (CENTER DIVIDER) I COULD NOT MAKE IT COMPLETELY OUT OF THE LANE. CARS WERE LAYING ON THEIR HORN AND SPEEDING PAST ME WHILE MY BUMPER HUNG OUT A FOOT INTO THE LANE. THE CAR IS 3 MONTHS OLD. IT HAD A CHARGE OF 86 MILES WHEN IT HAPPENED, I HAD IT ON A CHARGING STATION IT SHOWED I CHARGED MY CAR ACCUMULATED (KWH): 29.523. THE RADIO, WINDOWS, BLUETOOTH AND ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL POWERED INSTRUMENTS STILL WORKED. I PRESSED THE POWER BUTTON OFF AND TURNED IT ON AGAIN , THE ERROR STILL REMAINED, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT "TURN ON".

6/15/2015

THE VW EGOLF AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ITSELF OFF WHEN THE DRIVER EXITS THE VEHICLE. EVEN THOUGH THE KEY IS LEFT IN THE VEHICLE, ONCE THE DRIVER EXITS THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. YOU INTENTIONALLY LEAVE THE VEHICLE ON TO ENSURE THE CABIN IS MAINTAINING A COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE FOR YOUR PASSENGERS... MEANWHILE, THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND DISABLES THE CLIMATE CONTROL. YOU HAVE NOW LEFT YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, ELDERLY, CHILDREN, PETS, ETC POSSIBLY IN A HOT VEHICLE WITH NO WAY TO MAINTAIN CABIN TEMPERATURE! PEOPLE, CHILDREN AND PETS DIE REGULARLY FROM CABIN EXTREME TEMPERATURES! PLEASE CONTACT VW AND TELL THEM TO REVERSE THIS PROGRAMING! A DRIVER/OWNER SHOULD HAVE CONTROL OVER THIS! I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN THE MARKET THAT AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ITSELF OFF WHEN THE DRIVER EXITS THE VEHICLE!

6/23/2015

15 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

15 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS FROM THE AIR VENTS. I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS FOR THE DEALER TO FIX IT, BUT THEIR RESPONSE IS "YOUR SERIAL NUMBERS ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL". THAT'S FINE, BUT IT SMELLS LIKE GAS INSIDE THE CAR! *TR

1/23/2015

FAILURE OF ADBLUE EMISSIONS SYSTEM. DEALER REPLACED PUMP FAILED AGAIN BEFORE LEAVING WORK BAY

7/17/2015

13 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN I'M IN TRAFFIC STOP AND GO BETWEEN 11MPH TO 18 MPH AT LOW RPM (1,100 TO 1,800 RPM) THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE SHAKING IN THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION LIKE I'M DRIVING A MANUAL CAR BUT MY CAR IS AUTOMATIC. NOW WHEN GOING UP A INCLINE AT 30 TO 33 MPH VEHICLE DOES THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

3/7/2015

WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES LAGS THEN ACCELERATES ABRUPTLY OR IT BUCKS TWICE BEFORE ACCELERATING SMOOTHLY. IT NEEDS A CALIBRATION UPDATE FOR THE POWERTRAIN. UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ *CN

7/31/2015

10 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

10 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE PAINT NEAR A BOLT FOR ENGINE SUPPORT ON THIS ALLEGED NEW CAR IS DAMAGED, AND BARE METAL IS EXPOSED. AS THE RUST DEVELOPS, THE ENGINE SUPPORT MAY FAIL, AND THE ENGINE BLOCK MAY GO OUT OF POSITION. THIS CAN CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENT. BELOW IS THE PICTURE OF THE PAINT DAMAGE. THE WEB ADDRESS IS CASE SENSITIVE. HTTPS://LH3.GOOGLEUSERCONTENT.COM/-YVIYISDZMDO/VUVSSTKR7UI/AAAAAAAACBO/IEPTS_IAK4C/W1219-H914-NO/IMG_3189.JPG. *TR

5/2/2015

TWO FOAM PIECES, ONE ON THE LEFT AND THE OTHER ON THE RIGHT, IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ARE WRAPPED IN TRANSLUCENT VINYL. SINCE THE VINYL CANNOT WITHSTAND THE HEAT, IT CAN CAUSE FIRE. BELOW ARE PICTURES OF THE VINYL WRAPPED FOAM ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE WEB FOLDER ADDRESSES ARE CASE SENSITIVE. HTTPS://LH4.GOOGLEUSERCONTENT.COM/-TAJJEWYCJ6E/VUKQFQ8MJPI/AAAAAAAAB_E/4OZ-CUBFFRI/W1157-H868-NO/IMG_3101.JPG HTTPS://LH4.GOOGLEUSERCONTENT.COM/-APZJAK01WIM/VUKQGSDF26I/AAAAAAAAB_Q/PQUVYQ0OOKY/W1157-H868-NO/IMG_3112.JPG HTTPS://LH6.GOOGLEUSERCONTENT.COM/-JIXPGFG4D4Q/VUKQFRDJGMI/AAAAAAAAB_I/H5VKEOKW2G4/W1157-H868-NO/IMG_3104.JPG. *TR

5/2/2015

8 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

10 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR MAKES NOISES WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR AROUND CORNERS AS THE BODY ROLLS BACK AND FORTH I THINK IT IS THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED # 10122609 ABOUT THE SEATS AND A GAP BETWEEN A TAB AND THE SEAT FRAME. MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.

8/11/2020

Broken rear spring, impacting handling and preventing safe operation of the vehicle. I discovered this after noting handling issues and clunking noises from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lamps

5/25/2021

8 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

8 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V705000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR LONGER THAN A MONTH. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO WAIT UNTIL THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A TIME FRAME THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

2/8/2016

TAKATA RECALL

1/4/2017

6 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

7 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE AXLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO VIBRATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

10/13/2015

UNSAFE 110N SR-43 OFF RAMP

6/5/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RURAL ROAD IN FLORIDA, CRUISE CONTROL SET TO SPEED LIMIT OF 45 MPH. APPROACHING A SHARP CURVE, I DOWN SHIFTED MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION FROM 5TH TO 3RD TO SLOW DOWN TO AN APPROPRIATE SPEED OF ABOUT 35 MPH. WHEN I RELEASED THE CLUTCH, AND BEGAN STEERING INTO THE CURVE, THE CAR'S CRUISE CONTROL RE-ENGAGED AND I FOUND MYSELF STRUGGLING TO STEER AROUND THE CURVE AT 45 MPH. EXACT MODEL IS GOLF SPORTWAGEN TDI SEL WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. VW'S OWN INSTRUCTION VIDEO SAYS THAT WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE CRUISE CONTROL DIS-ENGAGES AND THAT THE DRIVER MUST PRESS THE RESUME BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BE RE-ENGAGED. IN MY 50 YEARS OF OPERATING AUTOMOBILES, EVERY CAR WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND A MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS OPERATED PER THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE VW VIDEO. UPON CAREFUL READING OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL I FOUND THE FOLLOWING DISCLAIMER: "CHANGING GEARS WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVE ... THE CRUISE CONTROL REDUCES ACCELERATION AS SOON AS THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS PRESSED, AND AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE TO REGULATE SPEED AFTER A GEAR CHANGE." THIS NON-STANDARD BEHAVIOR MAY SOON LEAD TO PEOPLE BEING KILLED. *TR

5/7/2015

THE MODEL ABOVE IS A GOLF TDI WITH A 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION....AS I WAS DRIVING IN 6TH GEAR AT 60 M.P.H. WITH THE CRUISE ENGAGED I CAME UPON A DOWN GRADE AND AS I HAVE DONE FOR CLOSE TO 50 YEARS AND NUMEROUS STANDARD TRANSMISSION CARS, DOWN SHIFTED TO 5TH TO ALLOW ENGINE BRAKING DOWNHILL. WHEN I LET THE CLUTCH BACK OUT THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF SLOWING BECAUSE THE CRUISE NEVER CANCELLED. IT WAS TRYING TO BRING ME BACK TO THE SET 60 M.P.H. SET SPEED. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, GANLEY VW NORTH OLMSTEAD OHIO, ON 6/8/15, AND AFTER THEY LOOKED AT IT I WAS TOLD THIS WAS "NORMAL" THIS WAS NEVER "NORMAL" WITH ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED AND IF SO IT DEFINITELY IS NOT A SAFE FEATURE.

6/8/2015

4 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FUEL LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTRO DE SERVICIO FLAGSHIP VOLKSWAGEN (CARR. #2, KM 14.7 HATO TEJAS, BAYAMN, 00959, PUERTO RICO) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBCISION PUMP, FILTER AND FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V647000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

12/21/2020

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact noticed that the fuel pump would frequent stop while fueling the vehicle. The contact then stated that while his vehicle was being driven by a valet, fuel began to pour out of the fuel tank while on an incline. The valet attendant managed to drive the vehicle down a decline which stopped the leak. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer informed the contact that the suction pump, seal, and emission filter needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

12/2/2022

4 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED A 2015 VW GOLF TDI WITH 18" WHEELS AND LOW PROFILE PIRELLI TIRES AUGUST 2014. THIS VEHICLE WAS RE-ENGINEERED FOR THE US MARKET TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE UREA TANK THAT IS NEW AND SPECIFIC TO THE US TDI PLATFORM. ALL OTHER GOLF MODELS HAVE AN INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WHILE THIS MODEL WAS DOWNGRADED TO A TORSION BEAM REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED ON LOWER END MODELS WITH 16" WHEELS AND HIGHER PROFILE TIRES, BUT THE HIGH END VEHICLES HAVE THE 18" WHEELS AND LOW PROFILE TIRES AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT. ON APRIL 25, I NOTICED A SIDEWALL BUBBLE ON A FRONT TIRE. VW REPLACED BOTH THE TIRE AND BENT RIM AND I WAS TOLD THE OTHER 3 RIMS WERE BENT. THEN THE OTHER FRONT TIRE HAD A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT AND BOTH THAT TIRE AND WHEEL WERE REPLACED. THE OTHER WEEK I ENDED UP WITH A SIDE WALL NAIL IN A REAR TIRE. THIS TIRE WAS REPLACED BUT NOT THE WHEEL AND I WAS TOLD THAT ALL WHEELS ARE BENT, INCLUDING THE 2 NEW WHEELS. I HAVE JUST UNDER 18000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, HAVE CALLED VW AMERICA AND WAS SENT THE SPEC SHEET ON THE CAR. I ASKED IF A CAR WITHOUT INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION WAS ENGINEERED FOR LOW PROFILE TIRES AND ASKED FOR SOMEONE TO EXPLAIN WHY I HAVE HAD 2 SIDEWALL ISSUES AND 6 BENT RIMS IN UNDER 18,000 MILES AND 11 MONTHS WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE OTHER THAN VW AMERICA SENDING THE SPEC SHEET. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ASKED FOR THE SPECIFIC ENGINEERING APPROVAL OF LOW PROFILE TIRES WITH THIS SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND WAS TOLD VW AMERICA DOES NOT HAVE THIS INFORMATION AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE IT TO ME IF THEY DID.

7/29/2015

I WAS DRIVING ON 210N PASADENA FWY WITH MY GIRLFRIEND AND OFF AVE43 AROUND 4AM. I TRIED TO TURN WHEEL FOR OFF BUT AIRBAG FROM WHEEL COME OUT WHILE I TURN OFF FWY AND THAT DAY I JUST WENT TO ONE OF VWDEALER FOR CHECK SOME THING AND AFTER THAT I GOT A LOGO OF VW ON MY HAND LIKE A TATTOO AND MY CAR IT WAS TOTAL LOSS. MY GIRLFRIEND SHE WAS PAIN INSIDE HER BACK BECAUSE WE BOTH GOT AN ACCIDENT FROM SOMEBODY HIT BEHIND MY CAR. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR AND FIRST TIME BUYER AND I NEVER KNOW ABOUT GAP INSURANCE ON THAT TIME I JUST BOUGHT FOR ABOUT 2MONTH AND STILL OWN THAT MONEY EFFECT TO MY CREDIT UNTIL NOW. MY JOB IS DRIVER AND I NEED A CAR SO HOW CAN I DO WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

12/4/2016

3 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE AXLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO VIBRATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

10/13/2015

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the stick shift was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rear axle and coil springs. The contact was informed that the rear axle and coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

3/13/2024

VISIBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

INSIDE WINDOWS IN THE WINTER AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES FROST OVER AFTER SITTING. I HAVE TO SCRAP MY WINDSHIELD , VW DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS BUILT THAT WAY. JAY THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME OTHER 2015 MODELS DO THE SAME THING AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. *JS

2/24/2015

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE DRIVERS SIDE HIGH BEAM IS NOT AIMED PROPERLY, IT IS POINTED BELOW THE CUT-OFF LINE OF THE LOW BEAM. THE HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER TWICE BUT THE AIM WAS NOT IMPROVED. VOLKSWAGEN WAS CONTACTED, THEY EVALUATED THE SITUATION AND SAID THAT THIS WAS THE WAY THE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED AND SO COULD NOT BE FIXED. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THEY LOOKED AT OTHER CARS OF THIS SAME MODEL AND THEY ALL OPERATED THE SAME. BOTH THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM REFLECTORS ARE MOUNTED IN A COMMON HOUSING AND THE ASSEMBLY ONLY HAS ONE ADJUSTMENT SO BOTH BEAMS MOVE UP AND DOWN BY THE SAME AMOUNT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS ONLY ONE OF THE HIGH BEAMS IS ILLUMINATING THE ROAD. *TR

3/28/2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

LETTER FROM SENATOR BROWN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING HIS DISSATISFACTION WITH THE VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA FOLLOWING THE PURCHASE OF HIS JETTA TDI (ATTN: JOHN PATTERSON). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED VOLKSWAGEN DELIBERATELY ADDED SOFTWARE TO DECEIVE ITS OWNERS. *JB

3/21/2016

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

LETTER FROM SENATOR BROWN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING HIS DISSATISFACTION WITH THE VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA FOLLOWING THE PURCHASE OF HIS JETTA TDI (ATTN: JOHN PATTERSON). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED VOLKSWAGEN DELIBERATELY ADDED SOFTWARE TO DECEIVE ITS OWNERS. *JB

3/21/2016

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF ON MY 2015 VW GOLF SE SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 9:15 PM ON 2/27/2017 ON HIGHWAY 880 IN OAKLAND, ABOUT 1/2 MILE SOUTH OF THE ORACLE COLISEUM. NO CARS WERE NEAR ME AND I WAS NOT UNDER A BRIDGE, THUS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE SUNROOF WAS STRUCK BY AN EXTERNAL OBJECT. THERE WAS ALSO NO VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO THE GLASS PRIOR TO ENTERING THE VEHICLE, I CHECK EVERY TIME I BUY GAS. THE GLASS SHATTERED SUDDENLY IN A LOUD EXPLOSION THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND SHARDS WERE SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND COVERED MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER - ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE SHARDS BLEW OUTWARD AND LANDED ON THE ROAD. THE EXPERIENCE WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CALM AND SLOWLY DRIVE OFF THE FREEWAY RATHER THAN JERKING THE WHEEL WHEN THE EXPLOSION HAPPENED. THE ONLY INJURIES ARE EMOTIONAL AND 12 HOURS LATER I AM STILL FINDING SMALL SHARDS OF GLASS ON MY PERSON (HAIR, INSIDE MY MOUTH AND NOSE, ON MY CLOTHES).

2/28/2017

SEATS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE CAR MAKES NOISES WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR AROUND CORNERS AS THE BODY ROLLS BACK AND FORTH I THINK IT IS THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED # 10122609 ABOUT THE SEATS AND A GAP BETWEEN A TAB AND THE SEAT FRAME. MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.

8/11/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Steering wheel started clicking when turned. Airbag light came on.

10/8/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

When I switch the key to turn on the car it does turn on and it says starting system error on the dashboard car runs ok it’s just that it keep saying that and I think there is something wrong with the ignition switch that Volkswagen should address. Thank you!

7/22/2022

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle had been sitting lower than normal while parked. The contact did an inspection of the vehicle and noticed that the rear coil spring on the driver’s side had fractured. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that the coil spring needed to be replaced. The contact ordered the part to perform the repair himself. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

8/31/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact noticed that the fuel pump would frequent stop while fueling the vehicle. The contact then stated that while his vehicle was being driven by a valet, fuel began to pour out of the fuel tank while on an incline. The valet attendant managed to drive the vehicle down a decline which stopped the leak. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer informed the contact that the suction pump, seal, and emission filter needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

12/2/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Clock spring issue in VW golf’s should re reinvestigated. These are failing on these cars and companies are not looking into fixes or warranty help for these devices that should last. It’s shortsighted for consumers to continue to deal with this issue.

2/23/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf?

The most reported complaint category for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf is ENGINE, with 25 owner reports. That is about 14% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, AIR BAGS.

Are complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 113 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf severe?

113 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Golf: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

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Complaint entries
176
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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