2015 Volkswagen Golf Complaints

SUSPENSION — Filed 05/31/2025

While driving at approx 65 mph on a highway, I heard a loud thunk from the left rear side of my 2015 VW Golf and the car swerved a little bit. I was thankfully able to control the car and get myself to safety. A family member looked under the car and the broken coil spring was clearly visible, with a very sharp end at the point it broke, right next to the tire... could have been a disaster. I had the car towed to a local VW dealership where they confirmed the broken spring and replaced both rear coil springs.There was no warning about this issue in the form of symptoms, messages, or warning lights; it just happened suddenly. I've read that there was a recall for precisely this issue in 2019 (see NHTSA 19V188000), but apparently my VIN was (erroneously) not part of that recall.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/01/2025

15V483000 (VW Recall Code 69L2) was issued for 2014 Volkswagen Golf's indicating a "clock spring" affecting a cable that powers the air bag. This is indicated also by the airbag emergency light coming on. I believe a similar, if not the same, issue is occurring in my 2015 VW Golf. Furthermore, the issue has affected all mechanical buttons on the steering wheel. I had taken my vehicle to a VW mechanic that indicated a recall had been issued for this problem. However, upon my own further investigation, I found 2014 was the cut off year for the recall. The issue appeared during the winter last year. I did contact my nearest VW dealership to instigate as to if this issue could be repaired under the aforementioned recall for the 2014. I was informed they could not. As this is an issue in pervious models and is a safety concern, I am issuing this letter in hopes this safety issue could be repaired at the expense of Volkswagen.

SUSPENSION — Filed 02/03/2026

Rear strut completely broke

SUSPENSION — Filed 04/25/2026

The right rear coil spring on my 2015 Volkswagen Golf fractured suddenly while the vehicle was completely stationary in a parking lot. There was no collision, pothole impact, curb strike, road hazard, or other external event that could reasonably explain the failure. The incident was captured on dash cam video. The failed component is the right rear suspension coil spring. I will retain the broken component and make it available for inspection upon request, although the vehicle must be repaired immediately because it is my primary means of transportation. Volkswagen has previously acknowledged potential manufacturing and material defects involving rear axle coil springs in technical service bulletin/campaign 42J5, which states that certain rear axle coil springs may not have met factory specifications due to defective materials or production process issues. This failure created a significant safety concern because a fractured coil spring can shift position, puncture a tire, damage suspension or brake components, or cause instability and loss of vehicle control if the failure occurs while driving at speed. In this case, the spring failed while the car was parked and stationary, but the same spontaneous failure could have occurred during highway driving. The defect has been confirmed by both an independent repair shop and a Volkswagen specialist, and I have written repair estimates documenting the broken spring. The vehicle and component have not been inspected by Volkswagen because the dealership required approximately $200 solely for diagnostic inspection despite the visible and documented mechanical failure. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, noises, drivability symptoms, or other indications of impending failure prior to the incident. The spring failed without warning. I contacted Volkswagen/dealership personnel seeking goodwill assistance due to the known spring defect issue and the unusual circumstances of the failure, but was denied.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 12/20/2025

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped the curb while driving, but he was able to regain control. The driver turned off the vehicle and restarted it. Recently, while reversing out of a parking spot and placing the vehicle into drive, there was sudden acceleration, and he crashed into a fence in front of the dumpsters. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact's neighbor was jumping up and down in front of my vehicle, waving his arms; the driver was able to stop approximately six feet in front of his neighbor. The vehicle was turned off. While reversing, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a parked Jeep, causing damage to the driver's side front and rear doors. There was no police report filed, air bag deployment, fire, or injuries. Additionally, the EPC has been turning on. The engine was chugging. The vehicle was restarted, and the light cleared. On one occasion, the EPC light stayed on, and cylinder number 5 had stopped firing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. Additionally, the contact wanted to send the complaint copy to the insurance company and manufacturer to obtain the EDR to provide to the police and insurance company for his claim approval. The failure mileage was approximately 114,500.

SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/25/2021

Sirs: I am reporting TWO issues: One: My car should have been included in the recall campaign for rear coil spring fracture that other 2015 Golfs have experienced. I had to pay to replace fractured rear coil springs myself, last year. Two: Volkswagen has made it impossible for me to get ANY recall performed, including the suction fuel pump recall. After I filed a 1 star review for the utter failure of the Ithaca NY VW dealer to repair my brakes in late October 2021, the service manager retaliated. He called and assailed me with four letter language. Afterward, I made an appointment with another local VW dealer AT RANDOM, and one I had never done business with. Before I could identify myself or my VIN number this second dealer proceded to accuse me of being a deadbeat who does not pay his bills. He said if I came to his shop, I would pay in advance for any servicing. I would have to agree to surrender my car for an indeterminate time, and pay to strip it of all aftermarket parts at my expense, before even proceeding with diagnosis. It was apparent to me that the service manager had badmouthed me to ALL the local dealerships. I am in effect, blacklisted. I complained to Volkswagen corporation about this treatment in writing. I sent them proof of payment. They refused to help me. There is so much hostility coming from VW dealers, that I don't feel I can trust them to do safety recalls. I don't deserve this. I've always been polite and paid my bills immediately. The Ithaca dealer was paid for their diagnosis, even though they lied to me about the problem and never fixed the brakes. I want VW to provide the parts and servicing information for the suction pump recall. I will find an independent mechanic to do the repairs.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/21/2025

The chrome plastic trim coating on the START/STOP button and also the steering wheel have peeled and are razor sharp. I cut myself badly on both pieces on my right fore fingertip and middle ring finger. I try to avoid placing my hand accross the horn of the steering wheel since this happened, but the trim there is very dangerously sharp. There is a recall on the same trim on 2017 cars (Service Action 34L9), but the VW dealer told me there was not on my vehicle.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/03/2025

I brought my 2015 Volkswagen (with only 50,000 miles) to Island Volkswagen in NY for a fuel system recall repair. Before this, the car had no fuel smell, no leaks, and was driving normally. Immediately after the recall work, I began smelling fuel. The dealership told me the fuel line is leaking and needs to be replaced. I never had this issue before, and it’s clearly related to the repair they performed. I’m now being told I must pay $550 out of pocket for something I believe was caused by their handling of the fuel system during the recall. This is a serious safety concern. If I drive this car and something goes wrong, it could result in a fire. I believe this issue deserves review, especially if other drivers experience similar problems after this recall.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 11/18/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel gauge level dropped quickly, and there was an abnormal fuel odor before the vehicle shutoff in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and push the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated that while checking underneath the vehicle, the contact became aware of a fuel leak. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic confirmed the fuel leak and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance with the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/01/2020

When I turn on the ignition it says on the screen Starting system fault please service the vehicle.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 06/18/2021

I was driving to my grandparents house and once i got to the house there was gasoline dripping from the back of car, from the area of the tank. "61821 SE VERIFICO UNIDAD CON LIQUEO DE GASOLINA , SE VERIFICO Y SE ENCONTRO CHARCOL CANISTER LLENO DE GASOLINA , SE HIZO TEST PLAN Y SE ENCONTRO VALVULA INTERNA DEL TANQUE DE LA GASOLINA TRANCADA Y ESTO OCASIONANDO LIQUEO DE GASOLINA , SE REMOVIO Y SE INSTALO TANQUE DE GASOLINA NUEVO Y CANISTER DE LOS GASES NUEVO Y VALVULA N80 NUEVA Y SE LIMPIARON TODAS LAS LINES DEL SISTEMA , SE HIZO TEST Y NO PRESENTO LIQUEO DE GASOLINA" - Mecanic

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/25/2024

Vehicle had recall for "leaking fuel fire risk" Strong smell of fuel inside car. Manufacturer recall #20UF NHTSA recall 24V110 There has not been a fix yet available. Dealer (Team Volkswagen Merrillville IN) replaced the Jet fuel pump. Problem continued, VW engineering said bring the car back and replace the entire fuel tank. Completed. Problem returned 2 weeks later (XXX). While driving home from work noticed extremely strong fuel odor in car. Pulled off in a store parking lot, someone ran up and told me my car was leaking fuel. Gas was literally pouring out, I lost 1/4 tank of fuel on way home. The fuel was leaking under hood, under fuel tank area and under the rear passenger seat. I had the car towed to the dealer. Volkswagen does not have an actual fix for the problem. I should be given a replacement car due to Volkswagen being unable to correct this serious safety issue. What should I do, I am afraid to take the car back. I have videos and several pictures but unable to upload onto this website. Call [XXX] Crown Point Indiana INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 07/10/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle, making it impossible to fill the fuel tank. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 73,780. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/25/2023

I smelled a strong odor coming from the heater that turned out to be burnt plastic and wiring associated with the auxiliary heater. This is an obvious fire/ smoke hazard that could have been deadly if other nearby components caught fire.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/10/2019

Was reaching across front console when metal trim near shifter seems to be released and acted like a razor blade cutting my hand severely.

STRUCTURE — Filed 02/03/2021

THE CHROME TRIM AROUND THE SHIFTER LEVEL IS EXTREMELY SHARP AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. REACHING INTO THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN FRONT OF THE SHIFTER, MY FINGER CAUGHT THIS SHARP EDGE AND WAS SERIOUSLY CUT. THERE WAS A LOT OF BLOOD AND PAIN AS A RESULT. AN ONLINE SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS TYPE OF INJURY IS NOT UNCOMMON.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 01/04/2018

I DROVE THE CAR TO A MEETING ON THURSDAY EVENING, JAN 4TH, 2018. PARKED IT IN A RESIDENTIAL HOME OFFICE PARKING AREA IN SANTA FE, NM AT 6PM. AT 6:10PM ANOTHER PERSON ARRIVED TO THE MEETING AND SAID SHE SAW FLAMES BY A RED CAR. IT WAS MY GOLF. SEVERAL OF US WENT OUT WITH POTS OF WATER AND A HOSE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE. MOVED THE OTHER VEHICLES AWAY FROM IT TO AVOID IT SPREADING. THE FLAMES CAME DOWN FROM THE ENGINE ONTO THE GROUND IN FRONT OF THE BUMPER. IT WAS SMOKY AND SMELT HORRIBLE. WE WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE. WHEN THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED THEY USED A SPECIAL TOOL TO PRY THE HOOD OPEN AND USED THE RESIDENTIAL GARDEN HOSE TO DOUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP THE SMOLDERING AND REDUCE THE HEAT OF THE VEHICLE TO ASSURE IT WOULD NOT IGNITE AGAIN. THE CAR WAS ASSESSED AS TOTALED. I JUST BOUGHT IT FROM VW UPTOWN ABQ. IT WAS A TDI THAT HAD THE MODIFICATION FOR THE EMISSIONS CLASS ACTION SUIT.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/13/2015

UNSAFE 110N SR-43 OFF RAMP

WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/13/2015

NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:15V705 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 23R1 EXIT AVE43, WHILE I TRIED TO TURNED RIGHT FOR SMALL CURVED THE VEHICLE WAS BRAKING. THAT DAY I JUST WENT TO REPAIR MY TIRE I GOT SOME NAIL IN MY TIRE I'M NOT SURE THAT DEALER PUT THE AIR ENOUGH OR CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE OR NOT? I JUST GOT VEHICLE 40DAYS AND DEALER SHIP NOT PUT GAP THAT NOT OVER $2000 FOR MY NEW CAR BUT THEY PUT VWCARE FOR $2000 FOR ME. RECALL FOR NEW VEHICLE INCOMPLETE BEFORE SOLD FOR ME I GOT A REPORT THAT DEALER DIDN'T SEND THAT VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. FIRST TIME BUYER NEW CAR NO GAP BUT HAS VWCARE FOR $2000. I'M ASKING ABOUT RECALL THEY NOT ANSWER MY QUESTION.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/05/2017

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

WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/13/2015

TAKATA RECALL

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/13/2015

I'M A DRIVER WHO DRIVE THIS CAR WHEN I TRIED TO TURN LEFT THE VEHICLE HAS AIRBAG POP UP AND THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND HIT WHEN IM OFF THE FREEWAY

AIR BAGS,WHEELS — Filed 06/13/2015

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/10/2016

WHEN I PUT MY HAND INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT BELOW THE AIR CONDITIONER KNOBS AND IN FRONT OF THE SHIFT-STICK I CUT MYSELF ( TWO FINGERS ) WITH THE EDGE OF THE METAL PART NEAR IT. THAT METAL PART IS EXPOSED AND IS SHARP AND CUTS LIKE A THIN PAPER OR A KNIFE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/06/2016

1ST INCIDENT IN JANUARY 2016I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND CONSTRUCTION BARRELL ROLLED ACROSS HIGHWAY. MY FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE; I HAD TO HIT THE BARRELL; LOTS OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR; THE BOSCH RADAR WARNING SYSTEM IS HELD IN PLACE WITH PLASTIC AND IT BROKE OFF DURING COLLISION. 2ND INCIDENT,APRIL 2016 HIT A RUBBER CONE THAT HAD FALLEN OUT OF A TRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY. THE WARNING SYSTEM SENSOR BROKE OFF AGAIN. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW, I PAID EXTRA FOR THE EXPENSIVE $1,000 +DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE WITH FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM. IT HAS NOT ONLY FAILED ME TWICE, IT BREAKS EASILY BECAUSE A PIECE OF PLASTIC HOLDS IT IN PLACE. I HAVE LOOKED AROUND AND HAVE NOT SEEN ANY OTHER CARS WHERE THIS IMPORTANT SENSOR IS POSITIONED SO OPENLY AND IS SO VULNERABLE TO BEING HIT BY SMALL OBJECTS AND BREAKING AND NOT MAKING THE CAR RESPOND. THIS POORLY DESIGNED SAFETY DEVICE IS VERY FRAGILE. EVEN THE VOLKSWAGON DEALERSHIP AGREED THAT IT IS A POOR DESIGN AND THE COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM WILL ONLY WORK IF THERE IS TO BE A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR. THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY DEVICE BREAKS OFF TOO EASILY. DID NOT HAVE POLICE REPORT FOR FIRST INCIDENT, BUT HAD INSURANCE CLAIM..POLICE REPORT NUMBER FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT IS 16-011613 (DURHAM, N.C.). THE PART I AM MOST CONCERNED ABOUT IS: BOSCH, RADAR SENSOR, 5Q0907561F.