VehicleVerdict

1998 Volkswagen Golf problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1998 Volkswagen Golf — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Golf years?

Golf NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted183 complaints1985: 15 complaints1986: 20 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 41 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 11 complaints1992: 6 complaints1993: 11 complaints1994: 57 complaints1995: 84 complaints1996: 74 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 28 complaints1999: 76 complaints2000: 118 complaints2001: 152 complaints2002: 98 complaints2003: 33 complaints2004: 33 complaints2005: 27 complaints2006: 16 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 97 complaints2011: 151 complaints2012: 68 complaints2013: 67 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 183 complaints2016: 115 complaints2017: 145 complaints2018: 38 complaints2019: 88 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 22 complaints
Golf NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Golf years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volkswagen Golf problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System621%
Engine621%
Transmission414%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Brakes27%
Lighting27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Speed Control14%
Airbags14%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)14%
Seats14%

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Golf have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V155000OtherApril 22, 2003 · 4,243 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).

Consequence

UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALLY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT RISK FOR A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE "VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED" DEALERSHIP WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. ALL THE LISTED PROBLEMS I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM REPEATEDLY, AND IT WOULD NORMALLY TAKE 3-5 VISITS FOR THE ITEM TO GET FIXED. I DIDN'T EVEN GET TO LIST ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEAKER PANEL, CLUTCH, AND FENDERS GETTING FLEXED. I WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 14, 1999

“THE "VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED" DEALERSHIP WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. ALL THE LISTED PROBLEMS I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM REPEATEDLY, AND IT WOULD NORMALLY TAKE 3-5 VISITS FOR THE ITEM TO GET FIXED. I DIDN'T EVEN GET TO LIST ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEAKER PANEL, CLUTCH, AND FENDERS GETTING FLEXED. I WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 14, 1999

“THE "VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED" DEALERSHIP WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. ALL THE LISTED PROBLEMS I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM REPEATEDLY, AND IT WOULD NORMALLY TAKE 3-5 VISITS FOR THE ITEM TO GET FIXED. I DIDN'T EVEN GET TO LIST ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEAKER PANEL, CLUTCH, AND FENDERS GETTING FLEXED. I WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 14, 1999

“THE "VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED" DEALERSHIP WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. ALL THE LISTED PROBLEMS I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM REPEATEDLY, AND IT WOULD NORMALLY TAKE 3-5 VISITS FOR THE ITEM TO GET FIXED. I DIDN'T EVEN GET TO LIST ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEAKER PANEL, CLUTCH, AND FENDERS GETTING FLEXED. I WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 14, 1999

1998 Volkswagen Golf — common questions

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Golf reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 Golf problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), engine (6 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Golf have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Volkswagen Golf. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Golf years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Golf years to avoid are 2015, 2001, 2011, 2017, 2022, 2000, 2016, 2002, 2010, 2019, 1995, 1999, 1996, 2012, 2013, 1994, 2014. The cleanest record among Golf years belongs to 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.