Recall 15V705 covers 91,867 2015-2016 Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle, Passat, and Golf vehicles with brake-assist loss. Free ECM software repair at Volkswagen dealers.
Volkswagen is recalling 91,867 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Passat, and Golf vehicles because the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off and cause a loss of brake assist. That loss lengthens stopping distance and raises crash risk; the Volkswagen dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On 2015-2016 Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle, Passat, and Golf vehicles, the camshaft helps time the engine and also drives the brake vacuum pump. That pump creates vacuum for the brake booster, which reduces the force you need to apply at the pedal. When it works normally, the engine and power brake assist stay in step.
In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the vacuum pump can shear off. Volkswagen traced the failure to a fracture in the sintered drive part that is press-fitted into the camshaft, caused by tensile stress. Once that drive point breaks, the vacuum pump loses its drive source, and the brake booster loses assist.
Before failure, the vehicle enters limp home mode and the Malfunction Indicator Light turns on. If that happens, the engine has detected the camshaft problem, and the brake pedal requires more effort because assist is reduced.
Who's affected?
Covers four Volkswagen nameplates across the 2015 and 2016 model years, with engine and brake vacuum assist components listed for each model.
| 2015 Volkswagen Jetta | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2015 Volkswagen Jetta | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Volkswagen Beetle | Engine |
| 2015 Volkswagen Beetle | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Volkswagen Passat | Engine |
| 2015 Volkswagen Passat | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | Engine |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | Engine |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Volkswagen Jetta | Engine |
| 2016 Volkswagen Jetta | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Volkswagen Beetle | Engine |
| 2016 Volkswagen Beetle | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Volkswagen Passat | Engine |
| 2016 Volkswagen Passat | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 91,867 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sheared camshaft lobe can cause loss of brake assist, lengthen stopping distance, and increase the risk of a crash. If the vehicle enters limp home mode or the malfunction indicator light comes on, pull over when safe and call a Volkswagen dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle, Passat, or Golf is included in this recall.
- Confirm repair timing with Volkswagen customer service or a franchised Volkswagen dealer before scheduling the free ECM software update.
- Reference recall number 15V705 and Volkswagen recall 23R1 when you call.
- Schedule the ECM software update tied to the brake vacuum pump issue that can reduce brake assist.
- Drive with extra following distance until the repair is complete, since loss of brake assist lengthens stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
Volkswagen has identified the dealer repair as an engine control module software update. Once the final repair is available, a Volkswagen technician will update the ECM software, and the recall repair will be free. Volkswagen's general reimbursement plan covers qualifying documented expenses if you already paid for this repair before the recall notice. Keep your repair invoice, payment record, and any diagnosis paperwork, then ask Volkswagen customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 26, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 3, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| December 22, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 9, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V705?
Recall 15V705 covers 91,867 2015-2016 Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle, Passat, and Golf vehicles with a camshaft lobe that can shear off and cause loss of brake assist. Volkswagen dealers update the engine control module software to address the defect.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle, Passat, or Golf is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V705. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall 23R1. The dealer updates the engine control module software for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Volkswagen to repair this defect at no cost to the owner. A franchised Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module software free of charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V705?
The risk is longer stopping distance from loss of brake assist. If the camshaft lobe shears off, the brake vacuum pump loses its drive source, brake assist is lost, and the vehicle needs more distance to stop, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Volkswagen used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or purchase location. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall 23R1 if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V705000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V705 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V705000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →