The Lemon Index2015 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is better than average by owner complaints: 80 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 26 to 44 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 195 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta 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 16K to 67K miles on the car (126 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 9K–68K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 6K–77K miles
Recalls 8
- brakes 2020
The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- unknown or other 2019
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.
- 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.".
Show all 8 recalls
- 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
A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- lights 2014
Due to incorrect software within the headlight control module, the low beam headlights may turn off when high beam lights are turned on.
- seats 2014
In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.
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 1080 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Torque Converter/Flywheel/Flexplate installation): Incorrect torque converter
- Technical Bulletin (Brake Disc Pulsation or Vibration): When applying brakes at highway speeds…
- Technical Bulletin (Vibration or Noise When Braking): Vibration or noise when braking may be…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Ignition problem. Is hard to turn off the car, they key keeps getting stuck. And I just bought the car 2 days ago.
2015 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 11098864
More owner reports
The "start engine stop" button is living away on the letter n of engine, causing a metal blade to pierce the skin when the button is depressed to start or stop the car.
NHTSA complaint 10817687
Key gets stuck in ignition when turning off the engine. This causes the car not to turn off in some instances.
NHTSA complaint 11139096
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (24%), engine (20%) and brakes (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have?
8 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta get?
26 to 44 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 16,100 and 67,200 miles. The middle report was at 42,400 miles, from 126 complaints.
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2020 and 2015.
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