I have an estate, so the procedure might be slightly different on a hatchback, but not by much. The rear light cluster is attached via a screw behind the facia panel at the back. You will need to remove the plastic panel in the boot behind the light cluster and unscrew the unit before you can remove it to change the bulb.
You will have to remove and disassemble the cluster.
remove the gage cluster the bulb is on the back of the cluster
IN THE TRUNK, REMOVE PANEL NEAR REAR LIGHTS. IF THE BACK OF THE BULBS ARE VISIABLE THEY ARE EASY TO REMOVE. IF NOT, CHECK FOR SCREWS THAT HOLD THE TAIL LIGHT CLUSTER IN PLACE. REMOVE SCREWS, REMOVE CLUSTER, REMOVE BULB. I HOPE THIS HELP. GOOD LUCK.
You will have to remove and disassemble the cluster
To change the rear light cluster, first gain access to the boot, then remove the three plastic covers located directly behind cluster in boot these give you access to three 10mm nuts. To remove these nuts you will need a 10mm socket and a medium reach extension bar, remove all three nuts being careful not to drop them and the rear cluster will come away from body work then remove the lampholders to remove cluster completely. This is also how you would change a bulb in the rear cluster if you need to.
remove the trim panel around the instrument cluster then remove cluster. On the back of instrument cluster are the bulbs just turn them half a turn and they come right out.
First, disconnect the battery ground, and place the steering wheel in the lowest position. Remove the plastic trim on the left side of the light switch, then remove the light switch by pushing the plastic catch to the left of the switch. Remove the trim to the right of the cluster, exposing two screws that are also to be removed. Remove the screws securing the instrument cluster, then tilt the cluster downward to disconnect the electrical plugs. The cluster can now be easily removed by pulling it directly out of the opening.
remove the light assy from the car.
open the boot you will find 3 screws undo them then ease the cluster away from body then remove the bulb cluster its easy to do
To remove the cluster to get to the bulb, lower your steering wheel and remove the trim piece. Take out two screws and pull out the instrument cluster.
How do you reset dashboard brake light on vw passat