2015 Volkswagen GTI engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

29 owners have reported engine problems with the 2015 Volkswagen GTI, 48% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 59,117 mi.

Engine complaints
29
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
59,117 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine29

Engine complaints across Volkswagen GTI years

120061201012011120122201312014292015152016102017120181620194202012021420221202312024
Engine complaints by model year. The 2015 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k730k–60k460k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 16V647000Sep 7, 2016110,042 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    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. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

    Risk: As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 27, 2024FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Suction jet pump failed causing vehicle to have numerous issues and had to be repaired due to being unable to drive. Suction jet pump has a recall with no remedy. Repairs cost me $3369.39 and car was in the shop for 24 days while shop tried to locate recalled part from a distributor.
    NHTSA complaint #11604871 · source
  2. Filed Jul 15, 2024107,630 miGAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and the intake manifold, fuel injector, spark plugs, carbon block, and camshaft adjuster magnet were…
    NHTSA complaint #11602390 · source
  3. Filed Apr 12, 2024SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    This recall was issued in feb 2024 and there is still not a remedy available. Feb 14,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number20UF NHTSA Recall Number24V110 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available I am smelling gas in my car intermittently and this could be related to the recall. We need a remedy for this now. So I am issuing this complaint.
    NHTSA complaint #11582611 · source
  4. Filed Apr 6, 2023TXEngine
    Camshaft broken due deficiency on quality of the product, they have a recall of many cars but for casualty my car is not on the list, va don’t want to fix it and now I have to spend mor than 5500
    NHTSA complaint #11515753 · source
  5. Filed Jan 10, 2023SCEngine
    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Coolant leak from very known area which is the water pump. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If leaks to much it can cause the car to run very hot and have to pull over. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes most dealers do say it is a common problem. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the…
    NHTSA complaint #11501147 · source
  6. Filed Sep 8, 2022FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle started to show intermittent coolant gauge fluctuation with simultaneous loss of cruise control function. The coolant gauge would show cold, then hot. After visiting a dealer, a coolant leak was identified from a crack in the Thermostat/Water Pump housing along with corrosion in the coolant bottle. In addition, the trunk latch failed, likely from a faulty windshield washer fluid valve leaking onto the electrical equipment. All parts were replaced. Within another 3…
    NHTSA complaint #11483589 · source
  7. Filed Jul 18, 2022PAEngine
    There is an issue with the thermostat housing that causes coolant to leak out. This can cause the water pump to fail or if enough of the coolant leaks it can cause the engine to over heat and fail. The Thermostat housing is totally sealed so this is a manufacture defect that happens on the make of my car and should have a recall on the part. There were no warning lights or indicators to let me know of this issue. I brought the car in to my local Volkswagen dealer (dealer of…
    NHTSA complaint #11474541 · source
  8. Filed May 19, 2022VAEngine
    The coolant shutoff valve/water pump has failed twice in a little over 13,000 miles. The first incident caused the engine to overheat and go into "lump mode" on the highway and would not go over 45 mph. In the 2nd incident, the coolant shutoff value because stuck in an open position, resulting in poor gas mileage and an engine that takes much longer than normal to reach operating temperature. Problem has been confirmed by the dealer that performed all scheduled maintenance.…
    NHTSA complaint #11465359 · source
  9. Filed Dec 11, 2021MIEngine
    Electronically controlled thermostat failed stuck closed on December 10, 2021. Vehicle had 63814 miles on the odometer. This is a common, known problem with this make/model. Engine overheated in stop and go traffic which caused limp home torque reduction. When traffic resumed there was a potentially dangerous situation because vehicle could not accelerate as quickly as expected by following drivers. There is a design flaw in that the thermostat should fail stuck open, and…
    NHTSA complaint #11443425 · source
  10. Filed Nov 16, 2021MNEngine
    The heat in my 2015 GTI Autobahn only blows warm air out of the drivers side when heat is on for both sides. The VW dealership recommends a new thermostat, water pump, and heater core, and blend door. For now, I'm stuck with having a semi warm vehicle and the possibility of engine overheating while on the highway. With the coolant and thermostat being one of the vital parts of the vehicle, its upsetting for such a new vehicle to have such a common problem of needing a new…
    NHTSA complaint #11440710 · source
  11. Filed Nov 8, 2021NJEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Plastic Thermostat Housing Failure-- Cracks and leaking coolant. While getting an oil change done at a local Volkswagen dealership, the mechanic pointed out that there is a coolant leak and showed me where the leak is coming from (Thermostat housing/water pump) The coolant is slowly seep out of the crack on the underside of the thermostat housing, I have been adding coolant every other week. As the loss of coolant often trips the low coolant warning if the level isn't…
    NHTSA complaint #11439765 · source
  12. Filed Nov 1, 2021WIEngine
    Linkage on the turbo wastegate actuator seizes if the car is not driven for more than a few months at a time. This causes the car to not produce any boost and leaves it in a state in between limp mode and normal rpm range. This makes it incredibly inconsistent with rpm and maintaining speed.
    NHTSA complaint #11438933 · source

Other 2015 Volkswagen GTI problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (18)
  • Other / Unknown (9)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (6)
  • Steering (4)
  • Brakes (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)
  • Electrical System (1)
  • Airbags (1)

Back to all 2015 Volkswagen GTI problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology