Recall 14V125 covers 150,201 2012-2013 Volkswagen Passat vehicles for loose low-beam headlight bulbs. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 150,201 2012-2013 Passat vehicles because a low beam headlight bulb can loosen and lose electrical contact. The safety concern is reduced driver visibility and increased crash risk; the Volkswagen dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On 2012-2013 Volkswagen Passat vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb sits inside the headlight assembly and provides the normal forward lighting used after dark or in poor visibility. The bulb needs a firm mechanical fit and steady electrical contact so power reaches the filament whenever the headlights are switched on.
In this recall, the low beam bulb can become loose in its holder and lose electrical contact. When that contact is interrupted, the electrical circuit opens and the low beam stops working. The concern is at the bulb and headlight assembly connection, so replacing the bulb alone does not explain the full recall issue.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be a low beam that goes out or fails to turn on when the headlight switch is used.
Who's affected?
The same headlight component is listed for both the 2012 and 2013 Passat.
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2013 Volkswagen Passat | Headlights |
| Units affected | 150,201 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of low beam headlights reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash, especially in darkness or poor weather. If the low beams fail, avoid night trips and schedule dealer service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Volkswagen Passat is included in this recall.
- Review the Volkswagen owner notice mailed on May 13, 2014, for dealer instructions.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall number 14V125 when you ask about the free low-beam bulb-holder replacement.
- Replace the bulb holder through the dealer so the loose low-beam headlight bulb keeps electrical contact.
- Avoid nighttime driving until the repair is complete if the low beam headlights are not working normally.
What happens at the repair
Volkswagen's remedy is to replace the headlight bulb holder at a Volkswagen dealer. A Volkswagen technician removes the affected bulb holder, installs the replacement part, and checks that the low beam bulb holds electrical contact. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Call the dealer before bringing the vehicle in so the service desk can confirm parts and appointment timing. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| March 17, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 13, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V125?
Recall 14V125 covers 150,201 2012-2013 Volkswagen Passat vehicles with a low beam headlight bulb holder problem. The bulb can become loose, lose electrical contact, and leave the driver without low beam headlights. Volkswagen dealers replace the bulb holder free of charge.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Volkswagen Passat is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Passat is included in recall 14V125. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free bulb holder replacement. Reference recall number 14V125 or Volkswagen recall number 94G8/7V when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volkswagen dealers replace the affected low beam headlight bulb holder free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver visibility from a loss of low beam headlights, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free bulb holder replacement with a franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Passat used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012-2013 Passat is included, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall 14V125.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V125000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V125 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V125000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →