P2015: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes - expect a flat spot or rough idle rather than danger. Fix it for the engine's manners and the emissions test, not out of fear.
Symptoms
- Rough or fluctuating idle
- Flat spot in midrange power
- Rattle from the intake on some engines
- Check engine light
Likely causes, most common first
- Intake runner flap position sensor worn
- Runner flaps carboned or linkage broken
- Actuator motor or vacuum unit failed
- Wiring fault
Read P2015 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P2015 complains that the intake manifold runner position sensor reports something other than what the computer commanded. The runners' little flaps re-shape airflow for different engine speeds - tumble for smooth low-rpm burning, open lungs for top-end power - and when their position feedback goes implausible, the computer parks them in a safe default and the engine loses its dual personality.
This code has a famous home in certain European four-cylinders, where plastic linkages and carbon buildup on the flaps made it a rite of ownership - so common that revised manifolds and repair kits became a cottage industry. The honest sequence: look before buying, because a linkage popped off its ball stud or flaps glued by carbon are visible with the actuator off, and a cleaned or re-clipped mechanism plus the modest sensor often ends the story. The full manifold is the last resort the aftermarket kits exist to help you avoid.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P2015
“The Audi dealership in Tysons Corner VA is denying to repair a known flaw that has resulted in Failed emissions. This is a constant struggle with the VW brand, kindly help how to resolve. The following are attached a) The emissions failure report from DEQ with the CEL code P2015 b) Technical service bulletin that details that repair and how it should be covered c) The extended warranty d) EPA guidance on their website of coverage for this issue (pic attached) These dealerships are making a lot of money while not fixing emissions problems that they are causing global warming.”2016 Audi Q3 · Aug 2023
“Intake manifold flow valve was replaced and so was the manifold. One month later my vehicle threw an engine light for code p2015 for the same issue. I then replace the valve again three days after thinking it was a faulty part and almost a week last same code with the engine light. It give very bad idling and with jump the rpm to almost 4k before the vehicle even moves. Needless to say pulling out in traffic would be impossible unless I was to be hit by multiple vehicles.”2012 Jeep Patriot · Oct 2022
“Error code P2015 was generated which is the air intake manifold. Volkswagen mechanic said we shouldn't drive very much due to it could get worse. Replacement would cost $1812.50, local shop charged $893.00. Volkswagen has since issued a extended warranty which my vehicle falls under but I'm getting push back on being reimbursed. What are my options?”2014 Volkswagen CC · Apr 2021
Show 6 more owner reports
“Twice stalled at a traffic light, currently has engine malfunction code p2015 for intake flap valve failure. Vw states it is a known problem for the ccta engine code for 2011-2012 vw 2.0t tsi engines. However since it wasn't extended to my vehicle even though they are the same they will not honor the extended warranty because NHTSA didn't identify my vehicle year yet.”2013 Volkswagen Jetta · Feb 2019 · 94,400 mi
“Code p2015 problem in intake manifold. Requires replacement of the intake manifold. Volkswagen has extended the warranty for previous year models with this exact problem and are refusing to extend the warranty for the 2016 tiguan.”2016 Volkswagen Tiguan · Feb 2019 · 79,260 mi
“Vehicle has 48k miles. Check engine light came on and it was diagnosed as a p2015 error. Recommended replacement of intake manifold. Found information that vw extended warranty of the intake manifold to 10 years/100k miles in many vehicles, but my VIN was not included in that warranty extension. This seems to be a common, recurring problem in volkswagens. This warranty extension needs to be extended to all vehicles.”2013 Volkswagen GTI · Aug 2017 · 48,000 mi
“Vehicle has just under 60,000 miles. A check engine light came on. It was p2015, which was associated with the intake runner position. Vw dealership says the flap inside the intake manifold has disintegrated. Vw had extended the warranty on 2.0t engines from model year 2008 to 2011. However, 2013 is not covered. Vw has clearly not resolved the problems with the intake manifold for engines after 2011.”2013 Volkswagen GTI · Jun 2017 · 59,500 mi
“Attempted to start my car on a cold day with low fuel. The engine was jumpy and didn't start. I waited and attempted again and was able to get it started, drove 500 feet to the gas station, filled with diesel. The light then came on after I started it again. I checked the code, p2015. I took my vehicle to dorschel vw in henrietta, ny. They confirmed the code said the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Saying the flap is damaged and then switching to say the runner is damaged. Most of the tsi engines have had their warranty extended, but not for my tdi. There are lots of others complaining of this code popping up.”2010 Volkswagen Jetta · Mar 2016 · 92,000 mi
“P2015 - intake manifold position fault. Intake manifold valve malfunctions and sticks causing a severely rough idle and engine stall. The car was attempted to be started after sitting overnight in a garage. The car successfully turned over, but was in a very rough idle for a few seconds before stalling. Car could not be run continuously at all at this point. This problem began to occur around 80,000 miles, with no initial performance impact, but the part ultimately had to be replaced at 88,000 miles when the incident described above occurred.”2010 Volkswagen Jetta · Jan 2016 · 88,000 mi
Cars that report P2015 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P2015?
Yes - expect a flat spot or rough idle rather than danger. Fix it for the engine's manners and the emissions test, not out of fear.
How much does it cost to fix P2015?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (position sensor replacement where separate) to $1,200 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P2015. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.