2015 Volkswagen Jetta: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Vehicle Information •Make / Model / Year: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE •VIN: [XXX] Recall Information (if known) •Camshaft recall: 23R1 (2016) •ECM software update: 24DR (2020) Description of Problem: My 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE experiences loss of power while driving, where the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate properly, especially when driving uphill. This creates an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle previously received recall repairs for the camshaft (23R1) and ECM software (24DR). Despite these recall repairs being completed, the same symptoms persist, indicating the recall may not have fully resolved the defect. I reported this issue to Volkswagen Customer CARE under case number [XXX], but the concern remains unresolved. I am filing this complaint to document that this is an ongoing safety concern, post-recall, that has not been resolved by Volkswagen. I request the federal safety agency to review this unresolved post-recall safety issue and ensure Volkswagen investigates whether the original recall repairs fully corrected the defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 2, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · IN

I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during rush hour in the evening. It was congested with multiple avenues of transportation via buses, scooters, and pedestrian crosswalks. I started to lose power steering and the gas pedal would not accelerate the car, but the brakes still worked. I was able to coast the car to a stop & nearby a Midas car shop. Midas replaced the damaged oil pan and did not have any other damage reported. Midas informed me that my vehicle would not start, but failed to mention that the safety of my vehicle was compromised with rolled down windows. I inspected my car on 8.20.24, the battery was still working & powered the lights but the window power and engine would not operate. On 8.22.24 I paid for the work & noticed the windows were now rolled up & Midas said an employee used the power from the battery to override the window system but the car still would not start and needed to go to a dealership to access the engine codes for this hybrid vehicle. Towed the vehicle to VW, who said that Midas was not accurate in their description, as there were no access codes needed for the vehicle & it should have started once the oil pan was replaced. The VW diagnostic results showed a “bad” battery and the transmission failed/ stopped engaging and needed a replacement of the transmission along with the battery which would total $11K! The VW agent recommended that I contact other car repair companies to rebuild it for a more affordable solution. Midas and VW were the only car repair companies to evaluate my car and it is currently at VW where it can be inspected if needed. The safety recall code: 34J6, of 2015 VW Jetta Hybrids somehow exclude some VINs until owners had issues.

Filed Oct 13, 2022 · Transmission · TX

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, 73,000 miles mechatronic transmission failure. Vehicle repeatedly experiences loss of power/stalling and low and highway speeds. Losing power at any speed, specially highway speeds is a SAFETY issue. VW service shop has diagnosed issue as mechatronic transmission failure, hairline cracks, loss of fluid and gear damage sustained in transmission. VW service acknowledged the transmission damage is the same as ongoing recall. Transmission will need to be replaced. VW service shop advised vehicle VIN is not covered under current the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train). VW service advised VW will have to include this vehicle/issue under a recall for them to fix it without cost to me. Safety issues, symptoms, and diagnosis is succinct to that documented in 19V866000. VW customer service was contacted and advised that due to the vehicle VIN not included in current the federal safety agency campaign, it is not covered. VW is dodging responsibility in fixing this prevalent safety failure in Jetta Hybrids which makes the vehicle a safety hazard and worthless when considering the $10,000 repair estimate. They must me held accountable!!

Filed Sep 7, 2021 · Engine · IN

Operating vehicle at highway speed engine stopped suddenly and vehicle lost all power. Engine timing belt failed at 103XXX miles. Vehicle was difficult to bring to stop and steer to side of road. Timing belt interval listed at 130k this is a TDI Dieselgate car. New regen cycle causes car to operate more cycles and at higher temperatures potentially causing premature timing belt failure.

Filed Jun 14, 2021 · Engine · KY

2015 VW Jetta, 1.8L turbo engine. While interstate driving, the engine abruptly failed, running very roughly, causing a severe loss of power. This was in the hills of Tennessee at 65mph, and the sudden loss of power made us a traffic hazard and put all our lives in severe danger, being forced to travel under 40mph to reach safety. There were no warning lights prior, and the car had just had an oil change and inspection. After the loss of power, we had warning lights all over the dashboard. The Traction Control, ECM, and a flashing Check Engine were the ones I can recall. After reaching a safe place with cell service, the car was towed to a VW dealership in the next major city. Technicians there diagnosed it with an exhaust valve failure, which in turn shattered the spark plug. This was verified by CNA National, an extended warranty company.

Filed Dec 11, 2020 · Electrical, Suspension · 35,000 miles · PA

The horn keep malfunctioning it works sometimes the car don't have lose power when I go up hills and smoke is coming from tail pipe

Filed Jul 8, 2019 · Fuel system, Steering · 92,000 miles · NJ

I am writing to advise you of a potential safety issue with the design of the volkswagen jetta. I own a 2015 jetta. After a heavy rain, and usually after passing through standing water, the car loses power and stalls. This has happened on three occasions recently. I first took the car to my own mechanic, an experienced technician with a major repair franchise. He was unable to pinpoint the problem. When the problem recurred, I took it back and he again tested it but was unable to say for sure what the problem was. However, he noted that there was an air intake in the front end that might have taken in water and caused the issue. I then took the car to the dealership (burlington volkswagen) and they were also unable to diagnose the problem. However, the mechanic there also indicated that it might be due to water entering the air intake in the front end. It seems to me that this would be a design flaw that could lead to an accident due to the sudden loss of power steering. The dealership advised me not to drive through puddles, which is obviously not a practical solution. I then asked volkswagen customer care to look into the problem. The only option the representative there offered was for me to take the car to another vw deaiership, which I am unwilling to do at my personal expense. I am worried about my own and my wife's safety when driving in the rain, but volkswagen is basically telling me that they can't find a problem so they can't fix it. I would be glad to work with you on this issue, and I have attached the vw mechanic's report.