Large Recall NHTSA · 03V265000 Reported July 25, 2003

Vw/brake lamp switch

Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. · Exterior Lighting · 295,136 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
03V265000
Manufacturer Campaign
WT
Component
Exterior Lighting
Vehicles Affected
295,136
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
July 25, 2003

Defect Summary

On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction.

Safety Consequence

If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.

Corrective Action

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. Owner notification began september 26, 2003. owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 03V265000 or campaign WT.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Exterior Lighting.

FAQ: Recall 03V265000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 03V265000?

NHTSA recall 03V265000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on July 25, 2003. It addresses: Vw/brake lamp switch. The recall affects approximately 295,136 vehicles, with the defect involving the Exterior Lighting component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V265000 or the manufacturer campaign number WT. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.