2015 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Exhaust system › Emission control
  1
• Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM)
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1138%
• 25k–50k
  621%
• 50k–75k
  414%
• 75k–100k
  724%
• 100k–150k
  13%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact's wife owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact veered to the side of the road and opened the hood. The contact stated that he noticed that coolant had leaked onto the engine, and the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact who is an independent mechanic, replaced the heater core hoses and added coolant to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred after 2,500 miles. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could be diagnosed, and a warranty claim could not be initiated because the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The low coolant pressure warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. …

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the EPC light illuminated, indicating that there was an engine control malfunction, and the vehicle started shaking. The throttle became stiff. The contact veered off the highway and to the side of the road. The contact drove home with the hazard lights flashing. The contact then spoke with the dealer however, no appointment had been scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a humming and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Vehicle Information Make / Model / Year: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE VIN: [redacted] 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 [redacted], but the concern remains unresolved. …

I purchased a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta from North Coast Auto Mall on March 19, 2023 and the following day several issues went wrong with the vehicle like: The car reeked of gasoline, oil and engine lights came on, driver side head light blew out. Also, I was told that the car had an inspection, come to find out they didn't do an inspection by North Coast Service manager, so they lied. Also, the reason for the gasoline smell is because the vehicle needs a fuel rack, oil pan, oil pressure switch, and a new headlight. Too many things are going wrong with this car in such a short period of time. It took North Coast two weeks to take my vehicle and they didn't want to give me a loaner car. Also, they have had my vehicle since March 28, 2023 and refuse to disclose of the reconditioning shop of my vehicle. …

I've been experiencing intermittent start failures with my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The issue typically occurs after driving short distances, turning off the engine, and attempting to restart the vehicle within 15-45 minutes. The dashboard lights stay on, but the engine fails to crank. After extended wait times (1-3 hours or more), it will sometimes start again. A diagnostic scanner showed DTC IM 00, indicating an immobilizer system malfunction, meaning the car isn't recognizing the key properly. I've tested both keys and various conditions (locked/unlocked, sun/shade, full/low gas tank), and the issue continues to be unpredictable. When the car was towed to the dealership, they were unable to replicate the problem since it started by the time they checked it, and they were unwilling to investigate the immobilizer issue without charging me for a wide range of unrelated tests. …

2015 VW Jetta, 1.8L turbo engine. While interstate driving, the engine abruptly failed, running very roughly, causing a severe loss of power. This was in the hills of Tennessee at 65mph, and the sudden loss of power made us a traffic hazard and put all our lives in severe danger, being forced to travel under 40mph to reach safety. There were no warning lights prior, and the car had just had an oil change and inspection. After the loss of power, we had warning lights all over the dashboard. The Traction Control, ECM, and a flashing Check Engine were the ones I can recall. After reaching a safe place with cell service, the car was towed to a VW dealership in the next major city. Technicians there diagnosed it with an exhaust valve failure, which in turn shattered the spark plug. This was verified by CNA National, an extended warranty company.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta active grille shutter. A shutter system on the front end of the vehicle on the lower half of the radiator that allows air flow during different temperatures. The shutter assembly along with the electrical motor seems to go bad after a set amount of time. Giving off a Check Engine Code P05A0 as the shutters freeze open. Volkswagen dealerships have quoted $700-900 to replace the assembly as the only fix with vehicles being out of warranty. A quick search online has determined that this is a known problem for all these vehicles, Volkswagen are aware as they released a newer engine for the assembly. Also the check engine code can not be cleared until the assembly is fixed or replaced, thus not allowing vehicles to pass annual registration or smog check here in California.

1. Overtime, i noticed my car starts to jerk during acceleration and would accelerate, completely stall for about 2 seconds before getting back in forward motion. It when that jerk happens, it feels like the car is suddenly in neutral for those few seconds. This has been happening more frequently and has now been happening every other green light. This seems dangerous and I also don't like that it does this on the highway. 2. steering wheel has some resistance issues. 3. ECM is malfunctioning because my dashboard constantly shows at least 5 incorrect warning check lights. Sometimes they change to other check lights, sometimes they appear and disappear when it wants. Very frustrating.

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.

Related recalls

Engine complaints in other Jetta years