Volkswagen Golf, Passat, Sportsvan And 2 More Recall R/2017/040: Lights May Fail Without Warning, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 23 Jan 2017
- Launched
- 12,440
- vehicles in the UK
- 97CH
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volkswagen recalled Golf, Passat, Sportsvan and 2 more vehicles built between 1 June 2015 and 31 October 2016. Due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. The dealer will reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: LIGHTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING Defect: It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark. Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: lights may fail without warning.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Golf, Passat, Sportsvan and 2 more built between 1 June 2015 and 31 October 2016 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 12,440 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 campaign code 97CH or the DVSA reference R/2017/040. 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?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle, Crafter, EOS, FOX and 9 moreTakata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement | Stop driving | R/2025/357 | |
| GolfFront belt webbing | Low | R/2025/257 | |
| GolfFront belt webbing | Low | R/2025/256 | |
| ID.7, Id.buzz, Passat, Polo and 1 moreReplace front passenger airbag | Urgent | R/2025/208 | |
| TiguanLever for seat height adjustment | Stop driving | R/2025/004 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was RCOMP/2016/013 on 12 Dec 2016, for seat COVER may prevent side airbag deployment. The one launched after it was R/2016/272 on 27 Jan 2017, for front seat backrest may collapse in a collision. You can also see every Volkswagen recall and all recalls launched in 2017.
Source: DVSA recall R/2017/040, launched 23 January 2017. 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.