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Volkswagen Passat Recall 19V389: Headlights May Be Misaimed, Reducing Night Visibility

NHTSA campaign 19V389, reported May 22, 2019, 662,185 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Some Volkswagen Passat and Atlas vehicles may have been built without the blocking cap that prevents the headlight's horizontal aim from being adjusted. Without this cap, the headlights can be adjusted out of specification, so the vehicles do not meet federal lighting safety standard FMVSS 108.

Headlights aimed out of specification can reduce how far you can see the road at night and can increase the risk of a crash. Vehicles affected are 2012-2020 Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas models.

Volkswagen will notify owners, and authorized dealers will inspect the headlights and block the horizontal adjustment as needed, free of charge. Owners can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834 (recall number 94L9), and you can check your VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 19V389Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Risk
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Volkswagen Atlas20182019
Volkswagen Passat201220132014201520162017201820192020