Home · 2015 Volkswagen Golf R · Complaints

What 123 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (123)Crash / fire / injury (13)Engine (25)Fuel system (21)Airbags (18)Electrical system (18)Transmission & drivetrain (14)Suspension (12)Body & structure (10)Brakes (8)Speed control (6)Steering (6)

21 of 123 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters

Apr 7, 2025Fuel system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11653103

Nov 19, 2024Fuel system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11626162

Aug 19, 2024Fuel system

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

NHTSA ODI 11609559

Jul 25, 2024Fuel system

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)

NHTSA ODI 11604416

Jul 10, 2024Fuel system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11600861

Apr 26, 2024Fuel system

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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed when parts became available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11585517

Jun 14, 2023Fuel system

I was putting gas and it started shooting out gas from the tank fuel. I had filled up 2 gallons and the entire two gallons ended up on the floor of the gas station. I took the car to an old Volkswagen specialist and he suggested I get an evap system smoke test to determine what the problem is. I did the test and it came back as a faulty evap canister. That the evap vent valve is stuck closed and purge is allowing fuel into the canister. So I bought an oem canister and replaced the old one. For one day the car drove fine with no issue putting gas or any leaks. The next day I noticed the smell of gas and saw that it was leaking gas from behind the rear wheel. I took it to a local mechanic and the car leaked the remaining 60 miles of gas on the floor. Also the new canister is filled with gas again.

NHTSA ODI 11526988

Dec 2, 2022Engine & coolingFuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact noticed that the fuel pump would frequent stop while fueling the vehicle. The contact then stated that while his vehicle was being driven by a valet, fuel began to pour out of the fuel tank while on an incline. The valet attendant managed to drive the vehicle down a decline which stopped the leak. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer informed the contact that the suction pump, seal, and emission filter needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11495757

Nov 13, 2022Fuel system

Suction pump recall was completed by Karmart the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. Suction pump continues to be an issue with fuel purging or leaking. This has been an ongoing issue for the past 5 months. Most recently a few days ago.

NHTSA ODI 11493326

Mar 2, 2022Fuel system

Alarm went off in car - said coolant was low - had to pull over. Luckily was in neighborhood but could have been on highway. Gas station confirmed issue and let me know that the water pump and entire thermostat housing system had to be replaced - very expensive repair and dangerous issue. If it had happened on highway, would have had to pull over immediately there.

NHTSA ODI 11454820

Mar 11, 2021Fuel system

THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ERROR MESSAGE COMES UP ON THE INFORMATION DISPLAY ALONG WITH A TPMS ERROR. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN INTERSECTIONS AND HAS PUT ME IN DANGER OF COLLISIONS FROM SUDDEN DECELERATIONS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR WILL USUALLY START AFTER THE IGNITION BUTTON IS DEPRESSED AGAIN. IT MAY HAPPEN UP TO FOUR TIMES BEFORE IT QUITS STALLING. THE ERROR MESSAGES CLEAR AFTER IT IS MOVING AGAIN. IT HAS EVEN HAPPENED ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI 11400372

Dec 21, 2020Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FUEL LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTRO DE SERVICIO FLAGSHIP VOLKSWAGEN (CARR. #2, KM 14.7 HATO TEJAS, BAYAMN, 00959, PUERTO RICO) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBCISION PUMP, FILTER AND FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V647000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11384383

Jan 18, 2019Fuel system

THE AD BLUE TANK HEATER IN MY CAR HAS GONE BAD AND WILL COST $1800 TO REPAIR. THIS HAPPENED JUST OUTSIDE THE 36,000 MILES WARRANTY WINDOW AT AROUND 40,000 MILES. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE 2016 OR BEFORE. VW, IN ADDITION TO THE EMISSIONS ISSUES, REFUSES TO COVER THIS. THE CAR WILL NOT DRIVE UNLESS THIS IS FIXED. IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR A VERY LOW AMOUNT OF MILEAGE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED SO THAT CUSTOMERS ARE NOT EATING $1800, ESPECIALLY ON BEHALF THE VW, WHO LIES AND CHEATS THEIR CONSUMERS. HTTPS://WWW.THETRUTHABOUTCARS.COM/2016/02/VOLKSWAGEN-TDI-OWNERS-BEING-STUCK-WITH-1000-ADBLUE-HEATER-REPAIRS-STILL-NOT-EPA-COMPLIANT/

NHTSA ODI 11170856

Dec 14, 2017Fuel system

RUST ON FUEL FILTER HOUSING DISCOVERED DURING 60K MILE FUEL FILTER CHANGE OF 2015 GOLF TDI (SEE PHOTO). TOLD THIS CAN LEAD TO POTENTIAL MAJOR DAMAGE TO HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IF PARTICLES COME OFF. ONLY USE HIGH-QUALITY DIESEL SO NOT SURE HOW THIS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ODI 11054733

May 2, 2017Fuel system

AFTER 60000 MILES THE AD BLUE DEF SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN AFTER 600 MILES. WE STOPPED AND REFILLED THE DEF BUT THE MALFUNCTION PERSISTED. THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED AS A MALFUNCTION PUMP. THE PART WAS BACKORDERED NATIONWIDE ACCORDING TO THE DEALER SUGGESTING THIS IS A FREQUENT FAILURE. A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. THE REPAIR COST $1300 AND THE CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR 4 DAYS AND NO PART IS YET AVAILABLE0

NHTSA ODI 10983166

Apr 13, 2017EngineFuel system

FOLLOWING THE RECALL NOTICE THAT I RECEIVED

NHTSA ODI 10972323

Jan 12, 2017Electrical systemEngineFuel systemFire

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

NHTSA ODI 10944510

Nov 7, 2016EngineFuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V647000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH A LIVE AGENT FOR WEEKS. THE DEALER WAS UNAWARE AS TO WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SUPPLY THE PARTS TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10924689

Aug 30, 2016Fuel system

AT LESS THAN 20,000 MILES THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED COMING ON WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THEN THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, DROPPING DOWN TO ABOUT 30MPH. SHUTTING ENGINE OFF CORRECTS BUT WILL REOCCUR NEXT TIME VEHICLE IS STARTED AFTER BEING PARKED FOR THE DAY. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND SERVICE NOW LIGHTS ALSO COME ON. TOOK TO VW DEALER, AFTER 4 HOURS TOLD IT WAS A FUEL PROBLEM WITH METAL IN THE FUEL. A SAMPLE MUST BE SENT TO VWS LAB AND IT WILL TAKE WEEKS FOR AN ANSWER. THEY ARE PRESUMPTIVELY BLAMING BAD FUEL AND WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THE FUEL PUMP IS THE SOURCE OF THE METAL IN THE FUEL AS THERE HAS BEEN A BEARING SQUEAL NOISE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T HAVE ANY DOCUMENTS TO ATTACH AS THEY STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI 10899470

Jul 17, 2015Fuel system

FAILURE OF ADBLUE EMISSIONS SYSTEM. DEALER REPLACED PUMP FAILED AGAIN BEFORE LEAVING WORK BAY

NHTSA ODI 10734705

Jan 23, 2015Fuel system

THE CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS FROM THE AIR VENTS. I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS FOR THE DEALER TO FIX IT, BUT THEIR RESPONSE IS "YOUR SERIAL NUMBERS ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL". THAT'S FINE, BUT IT SMELLS LIKE GAS INSIDE THE CAR! *TR

NHTSA ODI 10678632

Working with the data? Download all 123 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 Volkswagen Golf R verdict →