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KLUNK
KLUNK

2015 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen

The Verdict

56 Proceed with Caution

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen has 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (60 complaints) and electrical (56 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 56/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Golf sportwagen, consider the 2019 model year which has 95% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2019 has 95% fewer complaints

View the 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen dashboard →

56

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2015607565016
201615020173
201762124224
201830234
201940140

By Category

Body
60
Electrical
56
Engine
50
Transmission
16
Brakes
7

By Severity

1
93
2
77
3
8
4
11

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 3

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

24d ago
Body 1

Rear spring broke just like VW Campaign Code: 42J2 / 42J3 / 42J5, but I am being told my VIN isn't covered.

26d ago
Engine 2

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.

8mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

8mo ago
Body 1

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.

9mo ago
Body 1

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 (NHTSA 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.

11mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

12mo ago
Body 3

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.

12mo ago
Engine 4

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.

12mo ago
Engine 1

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.

15mo ago
Engine 1

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.

18mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

19mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact's partner owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, he observed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact also heard an abnormal soft clicking sound in the cabin while turning the steering wheel to the left or to the right. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

20mo ago
Engine 2

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.

20mo ago
Electrical 2

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

21mo ago
Engine 1

The emissions modification calibration by Volkswagen causes the coolant to be exposed to elevated temperatures due to higher exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) use to control emissions. These elevated higher temperatures degrade the coolant faster than designed and lead to precipitates falling out of solution in the factory filled G13 coolant. This causes buildup and deposits to form throughout the cooling system, particularly in the heater core which can block proper coolant flow & lead to coolant system failure, specifically of hoses associated with the heater core. When these fail the engine can over heat, and stop which causes loss of steering, propulsion and braking abilities. There is a similar problem on 2012 models with the TDI engine, which has been addressed but the 2015 models are being stranded on the roads creating a safety hazard to the drivers of the vehicles and other motorists on the road.

22mo ago
Engine 2

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

23mo ago
Engine 2

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)

24mo ago
Engine 2

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.

24mo ago
Body 1

The hood release doesn’t work and cannot access anything in the engine bay. No oil changes until the hood can be opened. Clear recall due to the danger of not being able to open. The handle inside the car broke by attempting to open the hood.

24mo ago

189 total

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