2015 Volkswagen E-Golf
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2015 Volkswagen E-Golf. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2015 Volkswagen E-Golf. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the…
Risk and remedy
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 dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 e-Golf vehicles manufactured May 21, 2014, to March 1, 2016. Oversensitive diagnostics for the high-voltage battery management system may falsely detect an electrical surge resulting in the vehicle's electric drive motor shutting down unexpectedly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An unexpected vehicle shutdown can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will update the battery management software, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93B4.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen's number for this recall is 69L6.
Owner complaints
29 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
I was driving and the car shuddered and lost all power and would not accelerate. The car glided to a stop, but there were no shoulders so I was stuck blocking traffic. Later, the police helped push it to a side street where it was safe to park. The dashboard displayed the following error…
I was driving and the car shuddered and lost all power and would not accelerate. The car glided to a stop, but there were no shoulders so I was stuck blocking traffic. Later, the police helped push it to a side street where it was safe to park. The dashboard displayed the following error: "Error: Electrical System. Stop!" This message occured at the time of the failure. There were no symptoms or warnings prior to the failure. This message can not be found in the owners manual. Turning the car off and on does not change the situation. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer and is awaiting a tow to a dealer
- Unknown or other
There is a known issue regarding a software update required to keep using the heat and cooling options on 2015 and older eGOLF models. Without this patch the heating and cooling of the vehicle will cease to operate. This includes the defogging capability for front and side windows in cold weather.…
There is a known issue regarding a software update required to keep using the heat and cooling options on 2015 and older eGOLF models. Without this patch the heating and cooling of the vehicle will cease to operate. This includes the defogging capability for front and side windows in cold weather. On more than one occasion, I have had to wipe condensation from the windows while driving due to the failure of the heat pump. VW is aware of this software issue, but for vehicles out of the standard warranty will require a service diagnostic fee as well as a large repair cost for essentially a software upgrade. VW owns the diagnostic tools and software so there is no third party way to fix this issue. Affected vehicles should have the software update applied so visibility is not affected during driving. TSB attached
- Unknown or other
The trim located around the gear selectors has separated leaving a sharp chrome edge that cuts your hand when reaching into the cubby beyond the shifter. This issue was corrected by VW Canada in a recall but not by VW US. It is a known issue and is prevalent across the golf lineup.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Car was in motion on a city street and suddenly lost power. pulled off road, waited and restarted vehicle with normal function. evaluated at VW dealer and told the dc-dc convertor IS not working properly and shutting down the motor. This part was part of a prior safety recall by nhsta, and the…
Car was in motion on a city street and suddenly lost power. pulled off road, waited and restarted vehicle with normal function. evaluated at VW dealer and told the dc-dc convertor IS not working properly and shutting down the motor. This part was part of a prior safety recall by nhsta, and the car was evaluated and said to be fixed. contacted VW of america (case # 04750977) and told there was nothing they could do as the car was out of warranty.
- Unknown or other
When I went to unplug my car in my garage, the charging port would not release the charger. When I looked it up online, I found that many people who owned 2015 e-golfs had the exact same problem and that none of the electrical resets would work to get the charging port to release the charging…
When I went to unplug my car in my garage, the charging port would not release the charger. When I looked it up online, I found that many people who owned 2015 e-golfs had the exact same problem and that none of the electrical resets would work to get the charging port to release the charging cable. (https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=839&start=60) I tried all the electrical resets anyway, but nothing worked. the car was locked down, and it would not even let me put it in neutral, so it could not be rolled on to a tow truck. the tow truck damaged the undercarriage of my car trying to get it out of my garage as a result. I had the car towed to the luther westside VW dealership in minneapolis, mn, and they want to charge me a deductible even though the frequency of this issue points to a manufacturing defect. the charging port should be recalled. People are being stranded over and over again because VW won't take responsibility for this.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The vehicle intermittently will not unlock/release the charging connector from the connection port. When this occurs, the emergency release procedure for the vehicle will not release the charging connector. The charging status indicator IS red. Eventually connector finally releases but after either…
The vehicle intermittently will not unlock/release the charging connector from the connection port. When this occurs, the emergency release procedure for the vehicle will not release the charging connector. The charging status indicator IS red. Eventually connector finally releases but after either hours of waiting or sometimes hittting the connector to jar it free. During the locked condition, the vehicle IS not moveable - will not operate. If it occurs at a public charger, the car IS literally tied to the charger and building, unable even to be towed. Chargers can be in some kind of bleak, scary places. Not always where you want to be trapped alone at night. There are many reports by other owners/drivers of the same year and model, see: https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=839&start=10 or https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?9292185-now-charger-port-won-t-release-charger-connecter! or https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=158&start=30 . There are others also.
- Electrical system
The 2015 egolf locks the charging connector onto the vehicle during charging. This functionality has two (at least) benefits to the vehicle operator. One benefit IS that the (very expenseive) car charger's power supply can't easily be stolen during charging. A second, safety-centric, function IS…
The 2015 egolf locks the charging connector onto the vehicle during charging. This functionality has two (at least) benefits to the vehicle operator. One benefit IS that the (very expenseive) car charger's power supply can't easily be stolen during charging. A second, safety-centric, function IS derived by not allowing the charging port to separate while a charge IS underway preventing possible electrical arcs and electrocution. the locking mechaism intermittenly fails to unlock together with the rest of the doors and functions on the vehicle. This has several potential dangers to a vehicle operator. Wheh the charge connecter will not release, the vehicle will start and might create a situation of being stranded at night in a publc charging location. Tjrtrrwert---9rr-rrwpwrhis has happened to me. Trying to release the plug requires a strong long narrow object (usually metal) be inserted into the shielded area of the locking mechanism. The mechanism can sometimes be over-ridden through trial and error. Evenaually, though an ooperator IS going to accidentally contact one of the high voltage terminals.and be seriously hurt or killed. clippercreek charging equipment seems more likely to causre this condition. Our hsc-40 unit and the smaller 120V travel model these are other similar reports found online: https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=839 ' https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=839#p7764 ' https://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=839#p7764
- Electrical system
EV charger will not disengage from port even when car IS unlocked with remote. Red light indicating charging failure remains and charger must be removed using emergency disengage pin which IS difficult to access and car IS immobilized while charger remains stuck. Electrical error message requesting service comes up on dashboard two days but disappears upon restart of vehicle.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Charge port lock would not release charging cable after charging IS done. Results in stuck charging cables at public charging stations.
- Unknown or other
Car will not detach/release from charger in intermittent but regularly occcurring frequency. happen about once weekly. leaves driver stranded. have now started using rubber mallet to tap charger free. vehicle IS always stationary.
- Electrical system
My vehicle IS parked plugged into a 240 v charging station in my garage/driveway. I cannot disconnect the charger because the red light on my car IS on solid red and the lock will not disengage. according to the manual, when the light comes on red solid to seek expert advice. However, no one at…
My vehicle IS parked plugged into a 240 v charging station in my garage/driveway. I cannot disconnect the charger because the red light on my car IS on solid red and the lock will not disengage. according to the manual, when the light comes on red solid to seek expert advice. However, no one at the volkswagen dealership knows how to fix it. now my vehicle stuck in the driveway and can't even be towed because it IS attached to my house.
- Electrical system
Today, while driving on local road, car started to shake and message appeared "battery malfunction" and car just died while running 40 mph. After I turned it off and on after few mins everything was fine for another couple of hundreds feet and then it repeated again. This time while I was on the traffic light.
- Electrical system
The charging cable does not disengage properly from the charging port. The car intermittently has a charging fault, doesn't recognize that car IS unlocked and therefore the cable should be able to be removed. When this happens the car will also not sustain charging. Of course charging occurs when the vehicle IS stationary. The car will not move when a charging cable IS engaged.
- Unknown or other
The 2015 and 2016 egolf's have a charging fault which prevents the charge plug from being removed from the car. this permanently attaches the car to the charger it IS connected to, be it at home, in a mall, at the grocery, etc. the issue IS described in detail here: http://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=839
- Fuel/propulsion system
Charger that came with the car was stuck and could not be removed from charging port. Normal procedure IS to unlock the car, which unlocks the charger pin and allows it to be removed. I repeated the process multiple times, unplugged the charger from the wall outlet, turned car off and on, etc.…
Charger that came with the car was stuck and could not be removed from charging port. Normal procedure IS to unlock the car, which unlocks the charger pin and allows it to be removed. I repeated the process multiple times, unplugged the charger from the wall outlet, turned car off and on, etc. Eventually I left the car alone for 20 minutes, went back and clicked the lock/unlock fob multiple times, and the charger released from the car. Looking online, I see this has been an ongoing problem and the locking system IS faulty. VW needs to update the software or remove the locking feature altogether.
- Electrical system · Engine
I experienced this error "electrical system failure: stop!". I couldn't use my car. I had to wait for couple of minutes and after this everithing was back to normal
- Electrical system
After charging time resumed, the car doesn't release the charge plug . Charge light turned red.-lock won't release.-the car IS stuck because the pin IS stuck and it won't unlock. At the end of the day it unlocked by itself now it happened for the second time after only 3 days since last time.
- Electrical system
There are multiple conditions under which the car's charging connector allows removal of the plug from the vehicle while power IS engaged. this has lead to sparks being generated on removal. the conditions involve the failure of the physical locking pin on the charge port, and vw's incomplete implementation of the j1772 charging standard, specifically around the proximity circuit.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
At about 17500 mile on odometer, I had just unplugged this electric car from a public level 2 charging station and saw a warning "error: electrical system. Stop!". I assumed it was just a light when first turning the car on so shifted into reverse. ( I was parked in a standard parking lot…
At about 17500 mile on odometer, I had just unplugged this electric car from a public level 2 charging station and saw a warning "error: electrical system. Stop!". I assumed it was just a light when first turning the car on so shifted into reverse. ( I was parked in a standard parking lot, racking the charger. the car started rolling out of the spot, but had no power. I was able to apply the brakes and not roll into traffic. the car was towed to VW and I am told that two seperate small batteries had a problem and neede to be replaced. this has occurred and the car should be returned in a few days. I'm worried about another failure happening when I am driving with kids in car, as has been reported on your site.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
On august 28 2016 prior to charging e-golf, charging system failed causing the damage on the electrical system and battery. The car was parked on the ucsd thornton parking lot. At that time car odometer shows 8727 miles. Volkswagen didn't (failed to) inform me about the recall for the software that…
On august 28 2016 prior to charging e-golf, charging system failed causing the damage on the electrical system and battery. The car was parked on the ucsd thornton parking lot. At that time car odometer shows 8727 miles. Volkswagen didn't (failed to) inform me about the recall for the software that control charging system and battery charging. Not sure if the software for the battery/charging system IS the only problem since the volkswagen of america state that battery needs to be inspected, tested and if broken fixed or replaced. Since then the car has been unable to start or move. Volkswagen of america take the car to oxnard the only available service center for e-golf in california. The car has not been fixed yet since the august 29TH when the car has been diagnosed with the battery and electrical issues.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Vehicle was travelling ~40 mph on public road. Reached down to press "mode" button to left of shifter twice to switch to eco mode. Pressed "power" button by mistake. Two presses of power button causes vehicle to shut off, even while moving. Vehicle suffered total loss of power. Was able to bring…
Vehicle was travelling ~40 mph on public road. Reached down to press "mode" button to left of shifter twice to switch to eco mode. Pressed "power" button by mistake. Two presses of power button causes vehicle to shut off, even while moving. Vehicle suffered total loss of power. Was able to bring vehicle to a stop thanks to limited traffic, engaged park, and pressed power button to restart vehicle. mode and power buttons are right next to each other, both require two button presses to either engage eco mode (mode button), or activate emergency vehicle shutoff (power button). Not enough differentiation in feel to determine which button IS being pressed without taking eyes off road and looking down at shifter console.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
After the vehicle IS done charging using the j1772 plug (L2 or L1 charging), the plug remains locked to the vehicle charging inlet. Pressing the j1772 plug button does not release the plug as the car must be unlocked using a key to release the plug. In a public charging location, another EV driver…
After the vehicle IS done charging using the j1772 plug (L2 or L1 charging), the plug remains locked to the vehicle charging inlet. Pressing the j1772 plug button does not release the plug as the car must be unlocked using a key to release the plug. In a public charging location, another EV driver attempted to remove the plug from my car and may have broken my car if I had not intervened. I have read that other people with this vehicle have had the vehicle inlet damaged because the plug stays locked in the car during charging and after charging IS complete. on a separate note, an acquaintance with the same car used a public L2 j1772 plug with a broken locking latch. When he removed the plug while the car was charging, there was a large spark which jumped between the plug and the car. VW IS not following the j1772 protocol and this could lead to safety problems in the case of a broken charge port and personal injury due to sparking. Please ask VW to correctly implement the j1772 charging protocol so that pressing the plug button and/or removing the plug stops charging. Plug locking should also be disabled when charging IS complete.
- Electrical system
I was driving the all-electric car home from work on a 3/4 charge (~75 miles remaining range) when I noticed two fast, split-second jerking motions, about 30 seconds apart. within another minute, the car's dash system sounded an alarm and an error popped up on the dash screen, saying "error…
I was driving the all-electric car home from work on a 3/4 charge (~75 miles remaining range) when I noticed two fast, split-second jerking motions, about 30 seconds apart. within another minute, the car's dash system sounded an alarm and an error popped up on the dash screen, saying "error: electrical system. Stop!" the car effectively turned off, giving me just a few seconds to pull to the side of the road. the car was in motion - I was traveling about 35 mph - and I was traveling on a two-lane road - fortunately not on the highway - but the car went from full drive to complete stop in just a few seconds. efforts to restart the car (turning it off and on) were unsuccessful.
- Electrical system
Tried to start the car and error message appeared on dash. Message read "electrical system failure". Turned car completely off, waited approx. 1 minute then started car again with no problem.
- Unknown or other
The e-golf lost ability to drive, there IS a red triangle with an exclamation mark on the dash, and the red car icon with an exclamation on it, indicating a "electrical error" according to the manual. All other functions of the car seem to be working, except it won't start, and the key fob…
The e-golf lost ability to drive, there IS a red triangle with an exclamation mark on the dash, and the red car icon with an exclamation on it, indicating a "electrical error" according to the manual. All other functions of the car seem to be working, except it won't start, and the key fob lock/unlock IS not responding, so my car IS stuck in the middle of the parking lot unable to move. having the no choice because my car was not moving and sitting in the middle of the valet parking lot, I told them to do it, in the mean time the valet had "his boss" come and look at the car, this guy took my key fob, pressed lock/then unlock, held if close to the stop/start button, and depressed the brake, suddenly the car restarts, dials move, he does this a few times and now the car IS completely normal.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008865Battery Health, Remaining Capacity
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008860Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005823KESSY Key adaptation
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 10253481Carefree Maintenance and VW Care Maintenance Plans Interim AdBlue Refills -? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253480Volkswagen Care Maintenance Plans Claim Coding (Volkswagen Care and Volkswagen Care Plus)
- 10253478Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? VW e-Golf Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253477Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253474This communication contains important information and SAGA claim entry requirements for the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program for all Model Year 2015 and newer VW models with Gasoline Engines.
- 10253473Volkswagen Care Scheduled Maintenance Interval Time or Mileage Guidelines
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253210High-voltage repairs on Hybrid and Electric vehicles
- 10253198Infotainment Worksheet (U.S. Only)
- 10253192Infotainment Worksheet (U.S. Only)
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252209e-Golf Evacuating/Filling Refrigerant
- 10252208AC Compressor Replacement, Refrigerant Circuit Flushing Requirement
- 10250798VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10250695Carefree Maintenance Coverage for Interim Oil Changes for Certain 2009 ? 2015 MY Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel Engine Vehicles Registered in the State of Minnesota Only (US Dealers
- 10250694Roadside Assistance, and Carefree Maintenance
- 10249418VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10249414A/C Compressor leak diagnosis
Every Volkswagen E-Golf model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.