Tail Light Switch Problems of Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat owners have reported 5 problems related to tail light switch (under the exterior lighting category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the Passat.

1 Tail Light Switch problem of the 2010 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 10/26/2016

I have been having electrical issues with this car after owning it for 4 years. It started with the tail light bulb always burning out. I have had issues with the windows before and had it replaced. Last year I paid almost $2200 for window which won't roll down and the door which won't lock, water pump, oil leak and other minor issues. The keypad will lock 3 doors only and the lights won't come on when locked but when unlocked it'll come on. I have purchased 3 batteries thus far because the car constantly drains the battery. I've had this car stop in the middle of driving on major streets and almost got rear ended. My passenger right rear door does not lock and window does not work at all. I feel unsafe in this car because I am afraid that some electrical issue might cause my car to catch on fire. The tail light will work if I tap the outside cover to the light. I have gotten pulled over several times because of this and once I show the cop that if I tap it it'll come on, then they understand. At this present moment I can not open the driver side door from the outside and that will cost over $1000 to repair. I purchased my car in August 2009 and I have 62,043 miles on the vehicle. I do not mistreat the car but it's really not worth it and vw does not want to acknowledge that this is a poorly built vehicle. It feels as if this is was a trial an error model car. I am confident that if this car wasn't as old as it is now it would qualify for the lemon law. I am sure that I am not the only vw cc owner experiencing these headaches but if I am at least I am making it known of some of the issues I have encountered while being a first time and last time vw owner.

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2 Tail Light Switch problem of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 01/27/2011

I was driving at night and pulled over because my car had no operating tail lights (the headlights and other front lights were working properly). Turning the lights off and then back on solved the problem temporarily, but further testing when I returned home revealed that the tail lights were not always turning on with the rest of the lights. An internet search revealed this is a relatively common problem for these cars and that a failed headlight switch is the culprit. Replacing the switch solved the problem.

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3 Tail Light Switch problem of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 04/20/2007

Rear tail light on 2002 Volkswagen Passat 4 motion remained on even when car was shut off or locked. Dealership replaced comfort control model for $500. 00. Since the replacement, interior lights come on periodically causing the battery to drain and the passenger doors will not unlock with the key fob.

4 Tail Light Switch problem of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 10/08/2003

Tail lights intermittently do not turn on when head lights switch is engaged. Dealer replaced head light switch under warranty.

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5 Tail Light Switch problem of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 07/26/2002

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that her vehicle was a lemon when she purchased it in 2002. Water enters the vehicle from the sun roof whenever it rains. She received a recall notice, but the vehicle was not repaired according to the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than fifteen times, but it has never been repaired. The failure mileage was 500 miles. Updated 8/24/09 the consumer was told the water leak was coming from the after market speaker. The headlight tail light and fog light bulbs were replaced. The check engine light illuminated and the coolant bottle had a hairline crack. The heat in the vehicle was not working properly. The technician discovered the heater core had a blockage. The water pump was leaking. Both outer cv boots were replaced. There was a large evap leak at the purge valve which was replaced. The cruise control light was on. The right side valve cover gasket was leaking oil and the alternator was replaced. Updated 08/26/09.


Other Common Exterior Lighting related problems of Volkswagen Passat



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