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Volkswagen Tiguan backup lights may be too dim

NHTSA campaign 17V662000 · Reported 2017-10-18 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

This is a low-level safety problem that mainly raises the chance of a low-speed backing crash, and the notice places no restriction on driving the vehicle.

What's wrong, in plain English

On some 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long-wheelbase models, the white reverse lights built into the taillights are not as bright as federal rules require. Dim backup lights mean people walking or driving behind you may not notice that you are backing up, and you may have a harder time seeing what is behind you at night. Volkswagen dealers replace the inner taillight units, free of charge. This recall started back in December 2017, so parts are available.

What you should do

1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Tiguan is covered by recall 94J9.
2. Call a Volkswagen dealer, or customer service at 1-800-893-5298, to have the inner taillight assemblies replaced free of charge.
3. Until then, back up slowly and use your mirrors and camera carefully, especially after dark.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Volkswagen headlight aim recalls: are my lights pointed wrong? · all 5 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The back-up lights in the taillight assemblies may not be bright enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety risk: If the back-up lights are not bright enough, other drivers may not see the vehicle reversing, or the driver may back into an obstacle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected inner taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94J9.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.