VIN REPORT

3VW4T7AU4FM0170512015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

19of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
6
6 campaigns (all model years)
Safety Grade
D
60/100 composite
Complaints · 2015
None
Clean record
Vehicle Age
11 yrs
Made in MEXICO
BUYPurchase Verdict

2015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

28 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

2015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

  • 6 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Steering system recall; Fuel system recall)
  • Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
19
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
6 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
VOLKSWAGEN
Model
GTI
Year
2015
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.9840000L 210.00 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly
PUEBLA, MEXICO
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Assembly Plant Quality

Volkswagen de México (Puebla)

BQuality61/100
Standard📍 PUEBLA, MEXICO

Builds Jetta and Taos for North America. Average quality; some Jetta recall campaigns.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 60/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety10/30
Complaint History30/30
65/100High
  • ▸Steering system recall
  • ▸Fuel system recall
  • ▸Fire/ignition recall
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Elevated
  • ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
  • ▸4 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
Moderate
  • ⚠4 recalls on same component: Fuel System

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented

Also affects: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, A3, Q3

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls6

NHTSA Safety Recalls

6 RECALLS
6found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 6 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 6 recalls is ~70%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

70%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

VOLKSWAGEN Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

VOLKSWAGEN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#19V615000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

SummaryVolkswagen 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."
Read full details...
ConsequenceRemoving 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.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#16V647000
Jul 2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAs 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.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#14V412000
Jul 2014

STEERING

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA loose stabilizer link may interfere with the vehicle's steering, requiring additional effort to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#15V028000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#15V229000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf 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.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V110000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~75%

~25% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
STEERING
12.2yr open
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
10.2yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

07/07/2014
6 total campaigns
ElectricalFuel SystemSteering
6
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 2 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Complaints

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

HighTRANSMISSION issue detected

▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable

Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage

1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN

VERIFY WITH DEALEREXTENDED WARRANTY
VW/Audi DSG 7-Speed (DQ200) Extended Warranty Program
Transmission – DQ200 7-Speed Dry DSG
COVERAGE:5 years / 60,000 miles (extended program — verify with dealer)

The DQ200 dry 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission exhibits shuddering, jerking, bucking at low speeds, and mechatronic unit failures. VW acknowledged widespread issues and extended coverage on the mechatronic unit and clutch pack under a customer satisfaction program.

HOW TO CLAIM: Visit a VW or Audi dealer and request mechatronic unit inspection and DSG software update 0AM. If shuddering or harsh engagement persists after the software update, the mechatronic unit or clutch pack should be replaced under warranty.

Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$2,700
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$2,400
Annual Maintenance
11-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$34,500

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$38,114
~$635/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$13,500
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$9,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $38,114 (~$635/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

6 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$3,000
2 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$800
Total recommended deduction−$3,800

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

⚠ 1 critical inspection item must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Verify this vehicle has received the EPA-approved emissions fix or was bought back
VW TDI Dieselgate vehicles without the EPA fix may fail emissions in California, NY, and other CARB states. Confirm modification was performed at a VW dealer and obtain written documentation.
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Inspect for transmission issue detected — ask for repair records
Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-20
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWage
HIGH
Verify recall STEERING has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured J
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured Mar
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufacture
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,450–$1,850/yr
~$121–$154/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 11-year-old vehicle: −18% (depreciated ACV lowers full-coverage cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

VOLKSWAGEN has been fined $19000M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2017: Criminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate.

2016$14700MDieselgate settlement — defeat device software in TDI engines to cheat EPA emissions tests
2017$4300MCriminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN3VW4T7AU4FM017051
Model Year2015
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelGTI
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors4
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.9840000
Horsepower210.00

Manufacturer

ManufacturerVOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly CityPUEBLA
Assembly CountryMEXICO

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)3VW
Check Digit (Char 9)4
Model Year Code (Char 10)F
Plant Code (Char 11)M
Sequence (Chars 12–17)017051

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count6
NHTSA Complaint Count0

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

3
1
V
2
W
3
4
4
T
5
7
6
A
7
U
8
4
9
F
10
M
11
0
12
1
13
7
14
0
15
5
16
1
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
3
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
V
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
W
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
4T7AU
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
4
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
F
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
M
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
017051
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Mexico
From VIN position 1 (3)
Model Year Character
"F" → 2015
Could also be 1985
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/1/2026, 3:21:14 AM.