2013 Volkswagen Passat Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 8%of 749 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 8% of the 749 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear driver side taillights and turn signal quit working, replaced bulbs still broke. Airbag warning light stays on, this is the same problem that many of the vw have. My VIN shows that 5 repairs have been fixed if these are supposed to be fixed it didn't work. Recalls were over before I got the car so what am I supposed to do? These problems occur whether I'm stationary or moving.”
NHTSA complaint #11363663, filed 2020-10, 100,748 miles“I have an issue with the right low beam headlight. Put a new bulb in and it still don't work. Im here at the vw repair and showed them that their was a recall on the this issue. They said that my car wasn't one of the ones that was recalled. It's not fair that I should pay for this part to be fixed. When it was recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #11113022, filed 2018-07, 80,000 miles“Passenger side headlight turned off, after replacing bulb, it still comes off and on. After taking it to the vw dealership they said I'll need a new headlight and control unit module. This exact part was recalled for the same issue for my make and model but they are stating my VIN # is not eligible. They need to expand their research as I've noted over 97 other owners having the same issue but are not under this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10995544, filed 2017-06, 38,000 miles“Left front lowbeam went out, replaced bulb but still comes on intermittently. Contacted vw and my car was not part of original recall , however my vw dealer has said hundreds of this make and model not covered under original recall have had same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11063203, filed 2018-01, 78,000 miles“1. The lighting recall I have had my car serviced at least 4xs for light.. The light is still not fixed, every time the hood is open and closed the light goes out. 2. I was sent recall letter about airbag, I went to have it fixed and was told that the sensor got wet and its my responsibility and was charged alomost 1k to fix it.3. My car while driving says settings are not accessible, this is constant and its not as though im trying to change the settings, while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10954400, filed 2017-02, 13,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V389000May 22, 2019Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 2012–2020, Atlas 2018–2019
- 14V125000Mar 17, 2014Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 2012–2013
Related service bulletins
- 10210225Apr 7, 2022Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation. Update model year applicability to include 2022.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 60 | 8% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 39 | 6% |
| 2002 | 32 | 5% |
| 2001 | 30 | 7% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 15 | 2% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
382 complaintsEngine
105 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsFuel system
88 complaintsOther or unknown
77 complaintsSteering
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology