Volkswagen Golf, Vento Recall R/1997/001: Possible Failure Of Headlamps, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 27 Feb 1997
- Launched
- 9,700
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1997/001
- DVSA reference
Volkswagen recalled Golf, Vento vehicles built between 1 November 1994 and 28 February 1995. The wiring harness can cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps. The recall notice describes the fix as: modification to the light switch cable and replacement of the headlamp switch. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The wiring harness can cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS Defect: The wiring harness can cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps. Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for modification to the light switch cable and replacement of the headlamp switch.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: modification to the light switch cable and replacement of the headlamp switch.
Are You Affected?
Golf, Vento built between 1 November 1994 and 28 February 1995 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 9,700 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volkswagen, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volkswagen.
- Book with any franchised Volkswagen dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1997/001. See how to get a Volkswagen recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
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| GolfAnalysis vehicle modification | Low | R/2024/266 | |
| Arteon, Golf, PassatOn certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment | Urgent | R/2024/014 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/1996/106 on 30 Jan 1997, for freezing of door locks. The one launched after it was R/1997/091 on 17 Mar 1998, for malfunction of air bag. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, all recalls launched in 1997 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1997/001, launched 27 February 1997. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.