VehicleVerdict

2013 Volkswagen Passat lighting problems

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat has 60 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

60

Lighting complaints

6%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Lighting complaints by year

Related recalls

19V389000LightingMay 22, 2019 · 662,185 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

14V125000LightingMarch 17, 2014 · 150,201 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.

Consequence

A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.

Common questions

How many lighting complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat have?

NHTSA has 60 complaints about the 2013 Volkswagen Passat lighting — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat lighting?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the lighting: 14V125000, 19V389000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.