Recall 15V229 covers 6,205 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet, Golf, and GTI vehicles for fuel pump failure. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi recall 15V229 covers 6,205 2015 A3 Cabriolet, Golf, and GTI vehicles because improper nickel plating inside the fuel pump can make the pump fail. If the engine is running, the failure can stop the engine and stall the vehicle, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Audi opens it.
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What's wrong?
The fuel pump in these 2015 A3 Cabriolet, Golf, and GTI vehicles moves gasoline from the tank to the engine at the pressure the engine needs to run. It is part of the fuel delivery unit, the assembly inside the fuel system that keeps fuel flowing steadily while the engine is operating.
In the affected pumps, internal components were not plated correctly with nickel. That plating problem can damage the pump from inside the unit. Once the pump fails, the engine no longer gets the fuel supply it needs, which can cause the vehicle to lose power or stop running.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not rely on a sound, smell, or dashboard message to know the pump is about to quit.
Who's affected?
The scope spans the A3 Cabriolet, Golf, and GTI, all tied to the same fuel system component.
| 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | fuel system |
| 2015 Volkswagen GTI | fuel system |
| Units affected | 6,205 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed fuel pump can keep the vehicle from starting. If it fails while the engine is running, the engine stops and the vehicle stalls, increasing crash risk. If the engine stumbles or stalls, move out of traffic and contact an Audi dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Audi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet, Golf, or GTI is included in this recall.
- Wait for Audi's owner notice before scheduling the free fuel-pump inspection and replacement.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298 with questions and reference recall number 15V229.
- Ask the dealer about the fuel-pump inspection and replacement that fixes the pump failure that can stall the engine.
- Avoid driving if the vehicle stalls, will not start, or shows fuel-pump failure symptoms.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the vehicle and replaces any fuel pump affected by the improper nickel plating issue. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The source notes that the recall began on June 16, 2015, but the remedy status for this page is not marked available. Audi has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid out of pocket for a related fuel pump repair, gather your repair invoice and payment documentation before contacting Audi customer care.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 17, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V229?
Recall 15V229 covers 6,205 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet, Golf, and GTI vehicles with fuel pump components that received improper nickel plating. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start or can stall while running, increasing crash risk. Audi dealers inspect the vehicle and replace affected fuel pumps for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet, Golf, or GTI is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V229. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer and ask for the fuel pump inspection. The dealer replaces any affected fuel pump for free. Reference recall number 15V229 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 15V229, the dealer inspects the vehicle and replaces any affected fuel pump free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V229?
The safety risk is stalling. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or the engine can stop while the vehicle is being driven. That stall can increase crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer inspection.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received the June 16, 2015 recall notice, check your VIN and give recall number 15V229 to the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V229000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V229 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V229000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →