Rear LED indicator lights

[vespa]

I bought my Passat brand new in Sept 2009. On the first MOT the tester noticed a few LEDs had failed in both lamps (did not fail the car). They were replaced under warranty. However 2 years on the drivers side is failing again. The warranty doesn't apply as the original obviously ran out at 3 years and the relpacements were only covered in that warranty for about 8 days. So the questions are, has anyone any ideas why the LEDs would fail? and has anyone tried to replace the failed LEDs cheaply? How many would have to fail for it to become an MOT fail issue? Is this a common fault on these cars?

[martin1810]

You can repair them cheaply but getting the light apart can be a pain. More than 4 leds out is an MOT fail. Many testers don't know that so you get some odd comments from them.

[Quatrelle]

I believe it's not uncommon, VW aren't interested and a lot of owners are not happy.

[RichardSEL]

I bought my Passat brand new in Sept 2009. On the first MOT the tester noticed a few LEDs had failed in both lamps (did not fail the car). They were replaced under warranty. However 2 years on the drivers side is failing again. The warranty doesn't apply as the original obviously ran out at 3 years and the relpacements were only covered in that warranty for about 8 days.

The warranty does apply. Not your original three-year one, but the warranty on the repair done which is for two years parts and labour


So the questions are, has anyone any ideas why the LEDs would fail? and has anyone tried to replace the failed LEDs cheaply? How many would have to fail for it to become an MOT fail issue? Is this a common fault on these cars?

Bad earth returns inside the light unit. PM Jaraz here or in the UK Passats forum. He does Skyline mods and regularly has replacement light units for sale. He's in SE Lahnden though so you'd have to remove old, part exchange, and replace yourself or find someone locally

[vespa]

The warranty does apply. Not your original three-year one, but the warranty on the repair done which is for two years parts and labour

Thank you Richard. VW in Milton Keynes are telling me that the lamp was replaced as part of the 3 year warranty and at the end of that warranty ie 8 days later the lamp was then out of warranty. I find this a bit hard to digest. Sadly I am not commenting at present as I am hoping for goodwill with a possible failed wheelbearing and the lamp. After the service and cambelt change etc I will let everyone know what has been the outcome. the car has covered 18000 miles from new (eighteen thousand) and that is why I am asking for some goodwill as it has been VW dealer serviced all the time.

[RichardSEL]

Thank you Richard. VW in Milton Keynes are telling me that the lamp was replaced as part of the 3 year warranty and at the end of that warranty ie 8 days later the lamp was then out of warranty. I find this a bit hard to digest. Sadly I am not commenting at present as I am hoping for goodwill with a possible failed wheelbearing and the lamp. After the service and cambelt change etc I will let everyone know what has been the outcome. the car has covered 18000 miles from new (eighteen thousand) and that is why I am asking for some goodwill as it has been VW dealer serviced all the time.

The idea that a part and its replacement only has to last eight days, is a nonsense! That the car has only done 18,000 miles is scandalous. Look forward to hearing how you resolve both issues.

I'd be onto Trading Standards right away. But that's me! (didn't get that job in the Diplomatic Service :argue: )
Good luck!

[MDA123]

The idea that a part and its replacement only has to last eight days, is a nonsense! That the car has only done 18,000 miles is scandalous. Look forward to hearing how you resolve both issues.

I'd be onto Trading Standards right away. But that's me! (didn't get that job in the Diplomatic Service :argue: )
Good luck!


I thought bulbs were classified as subject to wear and tear and not covered by the manufacturer's warranty?

[vespa]

I thought bulbs were classified as subject to wear and tear and not covered by the manufacturer's warranty?
YESi agree but the rear light indicators are not bulbs but sealed units. I can only assume that somewhere in the EU is a massive LED factory making all the new driving daytime lights that will fail quickly if these VW rears are to set an example. Mine first two failed units were replaced under warranty.

[vespa]

Well, I am happy with the outcome as the other lamp was failing too. The dealer and VW have given some goodwill on the problem and I am pleased. They have not made the full contribution but a very generous one that suits me. So well done to them both for the goodwill gesture.