2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Pictured: 2020 Volkswagen Golf Style 1.5 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
150–170 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV, Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
35 combined · 31 city / 43 hwy
EV range
83 mi · 4 h on 240 V
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 33% better than the average 2015 compact car (26.3 MPG).
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 43 highway), 33% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 83 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 131 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2015

  • New all-electric version
  • Engine added: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engine dropped: 2.5L 5-cyl
  • All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
  • Best combined MPG up from 32 to 35
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Golf/GTI →

Trims, performance & features

Engine170 hp1.8L 4-cyl
Engine150 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine150 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic · 5-speed manual · 6-speed manual

Trims

1.8T, TDI

Built in: Puebla, Mexico

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 Golf/GTI configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
e-Golf EV85 kW AC PMSMAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive83 mi · 29.1683 kWh/100mi–$650–
Golf Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 41 / 35+33%$2,750292
Golf Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive30 / 43 / 35+33%$2,750292
Golf SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 40 / 35+27%$2,750295
Golf SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive30 / 42 / 35+27%$2,750294
Golf1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+10%$2,300305
Golf1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+10%$2,300309
Golf SportWagen1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 29+5%$2,300310
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+6%$2,950319
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+6%$2,950311
Golf SportWagen1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 28+2%$2,400313
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26-1%$3,150343
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2015 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2015 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★11.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2015 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2015 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2015 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2015 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2015 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car)35 MPG★★★★★12
2015 Honda Civic44 MPG★★★★★1
2015 Mazda 333 MPGNot rated0
2015 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport31 MPGNot rated0
2015 Toyota Yaris33 MPG★★★★★4
2015 Ford Focus34 MPG★★★★★11
2015 Subaru WRX24 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (12)

Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
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.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Mar 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 56,173 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V904000 · 6,322 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Jul 11, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V464000 · 33,168 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Unknown Or Other · May 16, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V329000 · 252 vehicles

Problem
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 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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 7, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V647000 · 110,042 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Risk
As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 26, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · 91,867 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Risk
If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Oct 7, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V627000 · 993 vehicles

Problem
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 (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected.
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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 17, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V229000 · 6,205 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at 1-800-253-2834.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 23, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V028000 · 44,658 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Steering · Jul 7, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V412000 · 2,001 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to May 12, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.
Risk
A loose stabilizer link may interfere with the vehicle's steering, requiring additional effort to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front stabilizer links, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40K9/1W.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

131Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
19,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine26
Unknown Or Other23
Air Bags20
Electrical System17
Fuel/Propulsion System16
Suspension14
Power Train12
Structure › Body10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/12: 123/02: 123/03: 123/04: 223/06: 223/07: 223/08: 223/10: 123/11: 124/02: 124/03: 324/04: 124/07: 324/08: 124/10: 124/11: 125/04: 125/06: 125/12: 126/01: 126/05: 126/06: 126/07: 126/08: 122/1223/0423/0824/0224/0724/1125/1226/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 26 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Air Bags — 20 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 83 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Golf/GTI years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Golf/GTI28–Not rated00
2026 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2025 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2024 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2023 Golf/GTI28–Not rated011
2022 Golf/GTI28–Not rated081
2021 Golf/GTI33–★★★★★17
2020 Golf/GTI32–★★★★★26
2019 Golf/GTI32–★★★★★663
2018 Golf/GTI29–★★★★★629
2017 Golf/GTI29–★★★★★5117
2016 Golf/GTI29–★★★★★985

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →