Emissions Recall
Code: 23EO
Subject
Release Date
Affected Vehicles

Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
February 28, 2023

Country

Beginning
Model
Year

Ending
Model
Year

Vehicle

USA
CAN

2020
2020

2021
2021

PASSAT
PASSAT

Vehicle
Count
40,506
3,501

Check Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this
action. Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source.

About this Emissions
Recall:

Code Visibility



Campaign status must show “open.”



If Elsa shows other open action(s), inform your customer so that the work can also be completed at
the same time the vehicle is in the workshop for this campaign.

During standard evaluation testing, it was determined that certain on-board diagnostic (OBD)
functions did not fully meet the OBD requirements. This engine control module (ECM) software
update addresses on-board diagnostic related improvements only. There is no direct impact to
vehicle emissions.
On or about February 28, 2023, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.

Owner Notification

Owner notification will take place in February 2023. Owner letter examples are included in this
bulletin for your reference.

Emissions Campaigns
Requirements
(CALIFORNIA ONLY)

The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require
emissions-related campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When
campaign work is done you must provide the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall –
Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). Order certificates online via the
Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.vwhub.com.

Additional Information

Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.
Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before
delivery to consumers
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) after work is complete.
Labels can be ordered at no cost via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.vwhub.com.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
February 2023
23EO Page 1 of 11

Claim Entry Instructions
The labor times listed here may differ from the labor operations and labor times listed in ELSA.
After campaign has been completed, enter claim as soon as possible to help prevent work from being duplicated
elsewhere. Attach the ELSA screen print showing action open on the day of repair to the repair order.
If customer refused campaign work:
 U.S. dealers: Submit request via WISE under the Campaigns/Update/Recall Closure option.
 Canada dealers: Upload the repair order [signed by customer] to Volkswagen WIN/Operations/Campaign
Closure.
Service Number
Damage Code
Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

23EO
0099
WWO
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner

Mark labor as causal
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
U.S.A.: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. However,
loaner/rental may be covered under the Alternate Transportation Program. Please refer
to the Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual for loaner claims
information and reimbursement details.
Canada: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. Please refer to t
Volkswagen Service Loaner Program to determine loaner eligibility.

Criteria I.D.

01

LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

2706 89 50

10

Connect battery charger

2470 25 99

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol
(up to 40 TU)

Update ECM Software

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
February 2023

23EO Page 2 of 11

Customer Letter Example (USA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Recall 23EO – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, we are
informing you of our decision to conduct an emissions service action on certain 2020-2021 model year Volkswagen vehicles.
Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
About this Emissions
Recall

During standard evaluation testing, it was determined that certain on-board diagnostic (OBD)
functions did not fully meet the OBD requirements. This engine control module (ECM) software
update addresses on-board diagnostic related improvements only. There is no direct impact to
vehicle emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will update the ECM software in your vehicle. This work will
take about an hour to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind
that your dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to
accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or
software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to factory specifications is
NOT covered under this action.

What should you do?

Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service.
To set up an appointment online, please visit www.vw.com/find-a-dealer.

Lease vehicles and
address changes

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward
this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt. If you have
changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card
and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Important information for California regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to the time you renew your
California Vehicle Owners vehicle registration. Therefore, please make sure that this campaign is completed prior to
the renewal of your vehicle registration, and that you furnish proof of completion to the
– California Regulations
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the form of a copy of the dealer’s repair order, including
a signed “Proof of Correction” certificate. You obtain this from your dealer after the campaign has
been completed. Please retain the signed “Proof of Correction Certificate” with your vehicle
records. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested.
Can we assist you
further?

If your authorized Volkswagen dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within
a reasonable time, or if you should have any questions about this communication, please don’t
hesitate to contact Customer CARE, Monday through Friday by phone at 800-893-5298. You are
also welcome to e-mail or chat through the “Contact Us” page http://www.vw.com/contact/.

Checking your vehicle for
open Recalls and Service
Campaigns

To check your vehicle’s eligibility for repair under this or any other recall/service campaign, please
visit www.vw.com/owners/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the
Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool.

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Customer Protection

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
February 2023

23EO Page 3 of 11

Customer Letter Example (CANADA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Recall 23EO – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software

Dear Volkswagen Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Volkswagen has determined that a defect, which relates to a prescribed emission standard, exists in certain 20202021 model year Volkswagen vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
About this Emissions
Recall

During standard evaluation testing, it was determined that certain on-board diagnostic (OBD)
functions did not fully meet the OBD requirements. This engine control module (ECM) software
update addresses on-board diagnostic related improvements only. There is no direct impact to
vehicle emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will update the ECM software in your vehicle. This work will
take about an hour to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind
that your dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to
accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or
software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to factory specifications is
NOT covered under this action.

What should you do?

In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service. On or about February
28, 2023, the necessary repair instructions and parts will be available to your
authorized Volkswagen dealer.

Lease vehicles and
address changes

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please
forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of
receipt. If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the
enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Can we assist you
further?

If your authorized Volkswagen dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of
charge within a reasonable time, please contact Customer Relations, Monday through
Friday from 8AM to 8PM EST by phone at 1-800-822-8987 or via our “Contact Us”
page at www.vw.ca.

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your
vehicle continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Customer Protection

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
February 2023

23EO Page 4 of 11

Required Tools

Diagnostic Tester

Battery Tester/Charger
capable of minimum 70
Amp continuous supply

-VAS6150X/VAS6160X(or equivalent)

Repair Instruction
Section A - Check for Previous Repair
TIP
If Campaign Completion label is present, no further work is required.

•

Enter the VIN in Elsa and proceed to the
“Campaign/Action” screen.

TIP
On the date of repair, print this screen and keep a
copy with the repair order.
•

Confirm the Campaign/Action is open . If the status is closed, no further work is
required.

•

Note the Applicable Criteria ID for
use in determining the correct work to be done
and corresponding parts associated.
CRITICAL REPAIR STEP

STOP!
If multiple software update Campaign/Actions are
open, they must be performed in order of the Start
date . The oldest should be performed
first.
•

All Safety Recalls must be completed prior
to completing this campaign.

•

Proceed to Section B.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These