Buy Volkswagen Jetta Tail Light Assembly

Summary
A Volkswagen Jetta tail light-also called a rear lamp, rear light cluster, brake-light assembly, or stop-lamp-is the red housing at the back of the sedan that handles running-light, brake-light, turn-signal and reverse-light duties. It keeps you visible, signals your moves, meets strict U.S. safety rules, and now comes in bright, long-lasting LEDs on late-model Jettas.

Overview

Overview

Volkswagen first fitted full LED rear lamps to the U.S.-market Jetta for the 2019 model year and refreshed the styling again for 2022, giving the sedan sharp LED clusters that stretch wide across the trunk lid (VW Media). The upcoming 2025 update adds an illuminated rear light bar for an even wider look (VW.com). Earlier generations (1999-2018) rely on halogen bulbs housed in twin-piece plastic lenses, but the functions-tail, brake, turn, and backup-remain the same (Wikipedia).

How It Works

How It Works

Tail lights glow dim red whenever the headlamps are on so drivers behind you can see the car at night. When you press the brake pedal, a brighter filament (or a separate LED row) lights up as the brake lamp. Turn-signal sections flash amber or red depending on model year; amber signals lower rear-end crash risk by about 5 percent according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study (NHTSA). A center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) at the top of the rear window or trunk adds another layer of visibility and alone cuts rear-end crashes by roughly 4 percent (NHTSA).

Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, every road-going Jetta must have rear lamps that are red, visible at 1,000 ft, and independently fused (NHTSA).

Safety & Regulations

Safety & Regulations

• FMVSS 108 compliance: Tail, stop, turn and backup lamps must meet brightness, color, and mounting rules set by NHTSA .
• Crash-avoidance tech: LED tails pair well with automatic emergency braking (AEB). IIHS data show pickups with AEB cut rear-end injury crashes by 42 percent (IIHS Crash Testing).
• Enhanced signals: Research into flashing or adaptive brake lights shows promise in getting drivers' attention faster (NHTSA).

For more detail, see NHTSA's rear-lighting research library (NHTSA).

Compatibility & Fitment

Compatibility & Fitment

← scroll table horizontally →

Always confirm fit using the VIN and your owner's manual.

Bulbs & LEDs

Bulbs & LEDs

• Common bulb codes: Older Jettas typically use 1156 (P21W) for brake/turn and W16W (W16W) for reverse lights (check manual for exact year) (ManualsLib).
• LED advantages: LEDs illuminate 0.2 seconds faster than filament bulbs-enough to shorten stopping distance of a following car by 15 ft at 55 mph (NHTSA).
• Color: Red for tail/brake, amber or red for turn (varies by year).

For 2011-2018 owners upgrading to OEM LED clusters, proper coding with VCDS is required (see next section).

Upgrades & Customization

Upgrades & Customization

• OEM LED retrofit (Mk6): Install LED housings, add adapter harnesses, then use a VCDS scan tool to change Byte 18 coding as outlined in Ross-Tech's forum guide (Ross-Tech Forums).
• Smoked lenses & light-bar mods: Aftermarket housings are legal only if DOT-stamped; check local regulations before tinting.
• Sequential signals: Some LED kits add running turn signals. Ensure they still meet constant intensity rules of FMVSS 108 (NHTSA).

Common Problems

Common Problems

• Condensation: Light fog inside the lens is usually normal and clears as the lamp warms (VW Vortex, Reddit). Persistent water means a cracked seal and invites corrosion.
• Burned-out bulbs: Brake-light failure can trigger a dash warning on Mk7 models; older cars rely on exterior checks.
• Cracked lens: UV exposure makes the clear plastic brittle over time; replace promptly to keep the lamp watertight.
• Brake-light switch recall: Many 1999-2005 Jettas were recalled for a faulty brake-light switch that could leave lights off (or stuck on). The remedy is a free switch replacement (NHTSA).

Installation Guide

Installation Guide

1. Open trunk and pull carpet flap to reveal the rear of the lamp.
2. Unscrew three plastic wing-nuts and slide the lamp straight out.
3. Replace bulb or swap lamp, ensuring gasket seats evenly.
4. Reconnect harness, test all functions, then re-fit trim. A clear video walkthrough is available on YouTube .

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Keep it clear: Wash road grime off the lens to maintain brightness.
• Polish haze: The same plastic-polish kit that restores headlights also revives tail lights (Family Handyman, Popular Mechanics).
• Protect with wax: A thin coat of automotive wax blocks UV.

Troubleshooting & Fuse

Troubleshooting & Fuse

If one whole side is dark, first check the #23 or #47 fuse (varies by year) in the cabin fuse panel. A full map is in this fuse-box diagram . Replace only with the same amp rating.

Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

LED rear lamps draw about 75 percent less power and last up to 12 years, cutting both electrical load and landfill waste compared with halogen bulbs (VW Media).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know which tail light fits my Jetta?
A: Match your model year and trim, then cross-check the part number in your owner's manual or a VIN decoder.

Q: Are LED tail lights plug-and-play on older Jettas?
A: The housings bolt in, but 2011-2018 cars need extra wiring adapters and software coding to prevent bulb-out warnings (Ross-Tech Forums).

Q: Why is there moisture in my rear lamp?
A: Short-term fogging happens when warm air inside meets cold outside air; it usually clears after driving (VW Vortex). Persistent water means the seal is broken.

Q: Can I tint my tail lights?
A: Only DOT-approved lenses are legal nationwide. Dark tints can lower brightness below FMVSS 108 limits (NHTSA).

Q: What bulb code is common for a 2010 Jetta brake light?
A: Most use an 1156 (P21W) single-filament bulb-confirm in the manual (ManualsLib).

Q: My brake lights stay on-what's wrong?
A: A sticking brake-light switch was recalled on many 1999-2005 Jettas; your dealer can replace it free (NHTSA).

Q: Do LEDs really improve safety?
A: Yes. Studies show amber LED signals reduce rear-end crashes, and faster LED illumination gives drivers behind more reaction time (NHTSA).

Q: Where is the tail-light fuse?
A: Inside the driver-side dash endcap (Mk6) or under-hood fuse panel (Mk7). See the fuse map for exact slot numbers (LiveAbout).

Q: How often should I inspect my rear lights?
A: Check monthly; have a helper verify brake and turn functions or back up to a wall at night and watch the reflections.

Q: Can I clean scratches off the lens?
A: Yes. Light sanding with 1000-3000 grit followed by plastic polish restores clarity (Popular Mechanics).

Q: Do tail lights affect fuel economy?
A: LED setups draw less current from the alternator and can save a small amount of fuel over time (VW Media).

Q: Are aftermarket sequential turn signals legal?
A: They're legal if brightness, color, and flash rate stay within FMVSS 108; always look for DOT marks (NHTSA).

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    { "question": "Are LED tail lights plug-and-play on older Jettas?", "answer": "The housings bolt in, but 2011-2018 cars need extra wiring adapters and coding to prevent bulb-out warnings." },

    { "question": "Why is there moisture in my rear lamp?", "answer": "Short-term fogging is normal; standing water signals a broken seal and the lamp should be replaced." },

    { "question": "Can I tint my tail lights?", "answer": "Only DOT-approved lenses are legal nationwide because they must meet brightness rules." },

    { "question": "What bulb code is common for a 2010 Jetta brake light?", "answer": "Most use an 1156 (P21W) bulb, but always confirm in your owner's manual." },

    { "question": "My brake lights stay on-what's wrong?", "answer": "A sticking brake-light switch was recalled on many 1999-2005 Jettas; dealers replace it free of charge." },

    { "question": "Do LEDs really improve safety?", "answer": "Yes. Research shows amber LED signals and faster illumination cut rear-end crash risk." },

    { "question": "Where is the tail-light fuse?", "answer": "Inside the dash fuse panel on Mk6 or the under-hood panel on Mk7; consult the fuse map for the slot number." },

    { "question": "How often should I inspect my rear lights?", "answer": "Check all functions at least once a month, and before long trips." },

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    { "question": "Are aftermarket sequential turn signals legal?", "answer": "They're legal if they meet FMVSS 108 brightness, color, and flash-rate requirements." }

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