Recall 15V373 affects 62 2015 Volkswagen Passat vehicles for a loose left-rear brake-line fitting. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 62 2015 Passat vehicles because a brake line at the left rear wheel area was not properly tightened. A loose brake line can leak brake fluid, reduce braking performance, lengthen stopping distance, and increase crash risk, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake line fitting at the left rear wheel on the 2015 Volkswagen Passat is the connection point that seals the brake line where fluid travels to the rear brake hardware. When you press the pedal, hydraulic pressure moves through that line so the rear brake can apply. The fitting has to be tight enough to hold pressure and keep brake fluid inside the system.
On affected Passats, the fitting was not tightened to specification during production. Volkswagen traced the issue to an internally broken torque wrench that recorded proper torque even though it did not apply the specified force. A loose fitting can let brake fluid leak at the left rear wheel area, which reduces the fluid the brake system depends on.
What you notice starts outside the car: a wet spot under the left (driver's side) rear wheel after parking. If enough brake fluid is lost, the brake warning light on the instrument panel illuminates. Treat either sign as a reason to contact a Volkswagen dealer or qualified workshop for inspection.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Volkswagen Passat | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 62 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2015 Volkswagen Passat sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose brake line fitting can leak brake fluid, reduce braking performance, lengthen stopping distance, and increase the risk of a crash. Watch for a wet spot under the vehicle near the left rear wheel or a brake warning light. If either appears, contact an authorized dealer or qualified workshop for inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Volkswagen Passat is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free brake-line fitting tightening at the left rear wheel area.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V373 and Volkswagen recall 47M3 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician tightens the brake line fitting in the left rear wheel area so the line is secured as intended. The dealer work is free under the recall. Volkswagen lists a general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related brake line repair before the recall work, bring documentation to the Volkswagen service desk and ask how the plan applies to that expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 8, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 11, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 15, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V373?
Recall 15V373 covers 62 2015 Volkswagen Passat sedans with a left rear brake line fitting that was not properly tightened. If the fitting is loose, brake fluid can leak, reducing braking performance and increasing crash risk. Volkswagen dealers tighten the fitting for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Volkswagen Passat is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Passat is included in recall 15V373. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall 47M3. The dealer will tighten the left rear brake line fitting for free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will tighten the brake line fitting free of charge. Use recall number 47M3 when you schedule service.
Is it safe to drive my 2015 Volkswagen Passat before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is reduced braking performance if the loose brake line fitting leaks fluid. Check your VIN, schedule the free dealer repair if included, and ask Volkswagen customer service or the dealer for guidance if braking feels abnormal.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Passat used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you did not receive the original owner letter, check your VIN and reference recall 15V373 or Volkswagen recall 47M3 when you call a franchised Volkswagen dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V373000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V373 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V373000 |
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 →