The Lemon Index2015 Volkswagen Golf.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is worse than average by owner complaints: 111 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 175, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 26 to 35 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Golf year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 322 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Golf year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 60K miles on the car (185 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 16K–63K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 5K–36K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 30K–73K miles
Recalls 12
- fuel system, gasoline 2024
Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- electrical 2019
A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park.".
- suspension 2019
The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Show all 12 recalls
- suspension 2018
The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- steering 2018
The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen…
- unknown or other 2018
Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
- engine 2015
In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- steering 2014
In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 1244 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Torque Converter/Flywheel/Flexplate installation): Incorrect torque converter
- Tech Tips (AC Compressor Replacement, Refrigerant Circuit Flushing Requirement): This document…
- Tech Tips (Comfort Module (J393) or BCM (J519) Replacement): This document informs if a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647)2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I experienced this error "electrical system failure: stop!". I couldn't use my car. I had to wait for couple of minutes and after this everithing was back to normal
2015 Volkswagen Golf owner · NHTSA complaint 10937081
More owner reports
Tried to start the car and error message appeared on dash. Message read "electrical system failure". Turned car completely off, waited approx. 1 minute then started car again with no problem.
NHTSA complaint 10820530
Need to find out if there are any recalls with the VW Golf r 2015 Model. Anything related to engine, fuel system, exhaust that would cause a fire
NHTSA complaint 10944510
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 175; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Golf year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Golf problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (27%), engine (23%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf have?
12 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf get?
26 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Volkswagen Golf problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,800 and 60,000 miles. The middle report was at 32,000 miles, from 185 complaints.
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Golf year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2020 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works