Recall 14V790 affects 25,007 2015 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles for incorrect headlight-control software and insufficient light output. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 25,007 2015 Jetta vehicles because incorrect headlight control module software can shut off the low beams when the high beams are turned on, leaving the headlights with insufficient output. Insufficient headlight output increases the risk of a crash, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
In NHTSA campaign 14V790, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta uses a headlight control module to run the exterior lighting commands. That module is the electronic controller that tells the low beam and high beam headlights when to switch on, so the driver has enough forward light at night.
On affected Jettas, the software coding inside that module is wrong. When the driver turns on the high beams, the module turns the low beam headlights off instead of keeping the lighting output where it needs to be. The result is reduced headlight illumination and a lighting system that does not meet FMVSS 108 for lamps and related equipment.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem appears when the high beams are activated, so an owner would notice that the road ahead is not lit as expected with high beams on.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Volkswagen Jetta | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 25,007 |
Not every 2015 Volkswagen Jetta sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Insufficient headlight output reduces nighttime visibility and increases the risk of a crash. Use extra caution in low light and schedule the software update soon. There is no reported warning sign before the lighting problem affects visibility. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free headlight-control-module software update that keeps low beams on when high beams are selected.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V790 when you call.
- Use extra care driving at night until the update is complete, since weak headlight output increases crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician updates the headlight control module software. The update corrects the control logic tied to the low beam and high beam headlights, so the low beams do not shut off when the high beams are turned on. The recall repair is available through a Volkswagen dealer, and the software update is free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| December 15, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2014 | Dealer notification began |
| December 15, 2014 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 22, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V790?
Recall 14V790 covers 25,007 2015 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles with incorrect headlight control module software. The low beams can turn off when the high beams are switched on, leaving insufficient headlight output and increasing crash risk. Volkswagen dealers update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Jetta is included in recall 14V790. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the headlight control module software update. Reference recall number 14V790 or Volkswagen recall number 57F6 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volkswagen dealers update the headlight control module software free of charge, and Volkswagen customer service is available at 1-800-893-5298 for recall 57F6 questions.
Is it safe to drive my Jetta before the headlight software repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The safety issue is reduced headlight output when high beams are used because the low beams can shut off. Until the repair is complete, schedule service promptly and use caution during night driving.
What if I bought my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Jetta is included, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall 14V790 or Volkswagen recall number 57F6.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V790000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V790 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V790000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →