The problem
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."
The risk
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 19V-389 (19V389000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 94L9 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Exterior lighting › Headlights |
| Report date | May 22, 2019 |
| Owners notified | July 16, 2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 662,185 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the lights
- 2018 Volkswagen Atlas headlight problems 14
- 2019 Volkswagen Atlas headlight problems 2
- 2012 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems 17
- 2013 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems 60
- 2014 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems 10
- 2015 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems 6
- 2016 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems 5
- 2017 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems 1
- 2018 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 19V-389 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 662,185 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.