VehicleVerdict

1998 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta sits mid-pack among Jetta years: 253 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 213, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (45), visibility & wipers (44), and tires & wheels (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

253

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Jetta years?

Jetta NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted1,275 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 18 complaints1986: 18 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 23 complaints1989: 28 complaints1990: 29 complaints1991: 38 complaints1992: 33 complaints1993: 22 complaints1994: 167 complaints1995: 338 complaints1996: 245 complaints1997: 213 complaints1998: 253 complaints1999: 488 complaints2000: 633 complaints2001: 862 complaints2002: 885 complaints2003: 553 complaints2004: 295 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 792 complaints2007: 280 complaints2008: 250 complaints2009: 1,275 complaints2010: 1,184 complaints2011: 880 complaints2012: 692 complaints2013: 737 complaints2014: 552 complaints2015: 284 complaints2016: 249 complaints2017: 247 complaints2018: 37 complaints2019: 782 complaints2020: 78 complaints2021: 93 complaints2022: 68 complaints2023: 64 complaints2024: 53 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Jetta NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jetta years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4518%
Visibility & Wipers4417%
Tires & Wheels2510%
Engine177%
Other156%
Transmission156%
Body & Structure146%
Steering135%
Brakes125%
Fuel System104%
Airbags94%
Suspension94%
Speed Control83%
Lighting73%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)42%
Seat Belts31%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

03V156000OtherApril 23, 2003 · 9,811 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 SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A 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.

02V026000Fuel SystemJanuary 25, 2002 · 487,284 units

Defect

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 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 VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER FOUR HOURS WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, WHICH DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LIGHTS HOUSED WITHIN TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY SHORTED OUT, MELTING WIRE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHICH SENT OUT A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE. PLEASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 16, 2001 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO PIN PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER DETERMINED THAT THE WIPER SWITCH INSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT SWITCH. *AK AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 2, 2004

“TIRE HAD A SIDEWALL SEPERATION ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN ACCIDENT; THIS HAS HAPPENED NOW TWICE, ON THE STOCK TIRES, FIRST TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST BAD LUCK, HOWEVER TWO TIMES SEEMS TO BE FISHY. THE TIRES HAVE PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. I AM INTERESTED TO FIND OUT IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 7, 1999 · crash

“THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE. WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS WATER IN THE ENGINE, AND SHE MUST HAVE DRIVEN IT IN DEEP WATER. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN, THERE WAS NO WATER DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR TO INDICATE DRIVING THROUGH DEEP WATER AS VOLKSWAGE STATES. THE WARRANTY IS VOID DUE TO THE DAMAGE WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“FIRST INCIDENT WITH GEAR SHIFTER HAPPENED IN MARCH 1999 WHEN IT POPPED OUT OF FIRST, THIRD AND FIFTH GEAR WHILE DRIVING. THE GEAR SHIFTER RATTLED IMMENSELY. THE SECOND TIME, IT HAD BEEN HARD TO GET INTO FIRST AND THIRD GEAR AND WAS POPPING OUT OF FIRST GEAR IN PARTICULAR. PRIOR TO HAVING THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 30, 1999 · crash

1998 Volkswagen Jetta — common questions

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

It is close to typical for the Jetta: 253 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1998 Jetta problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (45 complaints), visibility & wipers (44 complaints), tires & wheels (25 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volkswagen Jetta years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jetta years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2002, 2011, 2001, 2006, 2019, 2013, 2012, 2000, 2003, 2014, 1999, 2005, 1995. The cleanest record among Jetta years belongs to 1983.

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.