The shifter grip has a plastic or Chrome pice that is delaminating and a extremely sharp edge is parroting up and has sliced open my Wife’s finger more than 5 times we have a bandaid over it know the dealership states it is a known issue But VW will not take responsibility for it
The worst 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical18
- Airbags14
- Engine6
- Transmission6
- Body5
- Steering5
- Suspension5
- Acceleration3
- Brakes3
- Fuel system2
- Driver assistance1
- Locks1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Recalls 3
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298 or Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V‑647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V‑647.
Recall number 24V110000 · Recall details
Unknown or other
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 18V‑329.
Recall number 19V679000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. 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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
Recall number 18V464000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Defect investigations
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V‑647. Recall 16V‑647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0 with an improved version, Version 1.1. The SJP is designed to purge fuel from the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. VW’s recall filing stated the SJP may have been damaged during assembly, which could potentially allow fuel to flow directly into the EVAP system. Over time, the fuel could accumulate in, and cause a leak from, the charcoal canister filter element. ODI received consumer complaints of SJP failure leading to a fuel leak, refueling spit back, refueling shutoff, and/or fuel odor in vehicles previously repaired under recall 16V‑647. Additional complaints alleging SJP failure leading to the previously stated outcomes were received in vehicles outside the scope of recall 16V‑647, including MY 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. VW issued recall 24V‑110 on February 14, 2024, to address issues with SJPs Versions 1.0 and 1.1. The recall remedy replaces the SJP Version 1.0 or 1.1 with an improved version, Version 2.0. Recall 24V‑110 covers certain MY 2015-2020 VW Golf (including Golf GTI), 2015-2020 Audi A3, and 2019-2020 VW Jetta GLI vehicles, including vehicle previously repaired under 16V‑647. Vehicle owners were notified of this recall in April 2024 and VW’s projected date for owner notification of recall remedy availability is August 2024. In view of the recall being conducted by VW, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
RQ23007
Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 783
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement
- For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50%...
- Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- Suggested fuel additive
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- Differences between a leak and seepage
- This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during...
- Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
See all 783 bulletins for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Diesel | FWD | 30-31 | 40-42 | 35 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 25 | 34-35 | 28-29 |
What 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Rear spring broke just like VW Campaign Code: 42J2 / 42J3 / 42J5, but I am being told my VIN isn't covered.
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the camshaft module and variable valve timing (VVT) gears needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,900.
PTC auxiliary heater core connection point failure . It was reported that the wrong type of metal was used for the main electrical connection point for this part causing significant over heating further leading to melting and burning plastic. This then introduces potentially dangerous fumes into the vehicle cabin via the HVAC system. If unaddressed this would likely cause fire damage. The problem has been reproduced by multiple vehicle owners and happens during cold conditions as it supplies heat to the cabin prior to the engine hitting optimal operating temperatures. No warning messages or codes are thrown as a result of this issue. It is a hazard and could cause harm to operators of the vehicles affected.
PTC auxiliary heater core failure causing near fire event. The failure causes the main power input to melt causing a burning plastic smell and smoke. The problem has been reproduced by multiple vehicle owners and happens during cold conditions as it supplies heat to the cabin prior to the engine hitting optimal operating temperatures. No warning messages or codes are thrown as a result of this issue. It is a hazard and could cause harm to operators of the vehicles affected.
While operating my 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, the ignition key becomes stuck in the steering column and does not release as designed. This appears related to known steering column defects and recalls (the federal safety agency Campaign 18V464000 / 19V615000). My dealer states my VIN is not covered, but this is a known issue for my model year. This creates a safety hazard as it may prevent the vehicle from being shut off or parked securely.
Clock spring failure at 10 years 1400000 miles causing airbag light to come on. Airbag in steering wheel presumably doesn't work properly. The car has been looked at by a dealership who quickly confirmed clock spring failure, but falls outside of VW warranty replacement for this vehicle. There was no warning prior to failure of the clock spring.
Engine fire due to exhaust equipment malfunction, if it was not attended to or noticed quickly it could lead to loss of control of vehicle, causing injury or death to occupants or other motorists. This occurred after having a recall completed.
In the last year, my car has experienced multiple instances of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) warning light, check engine light, and a flashing glow plug light on the dashboard. Despite multiple visits and repairs at Sheehy Volkswagen of Springfield, these issues persist, particularly in sub-freezing temperatures. Upon independent inspection of the engine compartment, I found multiple exposed wires, broken wires, and poorly repaired broken wires. The most significant concerns are as follows: Repeated DPF Issues: Over the last three years, the DPF warning and related issues have recurred each winter. Initial attempts to rectify the issue included a DPF regeneration procedure, which temporarily cleared the fault codes but did not address the underlying problem. The DPF was finally replaced in mid-2024, yet the same problems manifested with a brand new component just months later. Extended Repair Time: Sheehy Volkswagen of Springfield had my vehicle for a total of six months (Dec-23 to May-24), during which they were unable to diagnose or fix the problem despite escalating the case to Volkswagen HQ (Business Case Numbers: BT1167682 and BT1177805). This delay is unacceptable. Poor Customer Service: Throughout this period, customer service was unsatisfactory. I was frequently passed between customer service representatives, none of whom were sufficiently informed about the ongoing repairs. Incorrect Diagnosis and Repairs: After replacing the DPF, ECM, temperature sensor, and wiring harnesses, the issue persisted. It was eventually suggested that a wiring problem might be to blame, yet no comprehensive solution was provided. Incompetence and Safety Concerns: Upon retrieving my vehicle, I noticed white smoke emanating from the engine compartment, which I discovered was due to the coolant reservoir being overfilled. Additionally, an independent inspection revealed exposed and poorly repaired wires, posing a serious safety hazard.
Supplementary auxiliary electric heater ground connector melted and could have caused a fire. Original part #5Q0963235B. A recall (17V-62) for this part was active for various Audi and VW models but for whatever reason my car was not included. Car was brought to Valenti VW on 3/1/24 for inspection after burning smell was emitting from vents. Dealer was unable to locate the source of the problem. Discovered the defective heater myself during fall season when heat was necessary. Please see attached photos. I feel I am entitled to reimbursement for the costs associated with getting this dangerous situation repaired.
Compare the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Other model years
Questions about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen reliable?
Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, 1.5 times a typical Golf Sportwagen model year.
What is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen year score?
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen scores 58 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen?
Electrical system, with 18 complaints, typically around 47,000 miles. Next is airbags (14).
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen have?
3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, unknown or other and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V464000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen get?
Official estimates for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen range from 28 to 35 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 30-31 city and 40-42 highway.
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