VehicleVerdict

1998 Volkswagen Passat problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 476 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Passat year — the 1998 model ranks #10 of 35 Passat years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 12 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (103), suspension (99), and steering (59), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

476

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

6

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

12

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Passat years?

Passat NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted1,026 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 50 complaints1991: 30 complaints1992: 60 complaints1993: 90 complaints1994: 36 complaints1995: 142 complaints1996: 185 complaints1997: 105 complaints1998: 476 complaints1999: 854 complaints2000: 625 complaints2001: 558 complaints2002: 772 complaints2003: 823 complaints2004: 348 complaints2005: 172 complaints2006: 779 complaints2007: 341 complaints2008: 240 complaints2009: 211 complaints2010: 226 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 660 complaints2013: 1,026 complaints2014: 785 complaints2015: 388 complaints2016: 179 complaints2017: 173 complaints2018: 65 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 24 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 19 complaints
Passat NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Passat years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volkswagen Passat problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes10322%
Suspension9921%
Steering5912%
Engine4610%
Electrical System347%
Visibility & Wipers327%
Fuel System214%
Transmission204%
Seats123%
Airbags82%
Lighting82%
Body & Structure82%
Other71%
Latches & Locks61%
Tires & Wheels51%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%
Speed Control31%
Seat Belts20%

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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.

99V248000SteeringSeptember 13, 1999 · 51,900 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

99V131001BrakesMay 21, 1999 · 88,121 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

98V134000EngineJune 22, 1998 · 19,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE BACKFIRES DURING A COLD-START, AN AIR SCREEN WHICH IS LOOSELY SEATED IN THE AIR FLOW METER CAN BECOME DAMAGED.

Consequence

SCREEN PIECES COULD ENTER THE INTAKE AIR FLOW SYSTEM AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER DUE TO BRAKE LIGHT WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMING ON, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE BRAKES WERE OK, LATER DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT ROTORS WERE WORN AND THAT THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, CONSUMER FEELS DEALER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 10, 1999

“HAD A CREAKING SOUND IN THE FRONT END OF MY 1998 VW PASSAT 1.8T. TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM TIE RODS WERE BAD (AND DANGEROUS) AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY COST. DID THIS AND 6 WEEKS LATER THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE FAILED WHILE DRIVING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 5, 2005 · crash

“ONGOING DISPUTE WITH VCI AND VW OVER LEASE PAYMENTS AND RECALL AND DAMAGES. NO SAFETY DEFECTS MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 18, 1999 · crash

“WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN MY 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, 3 EVENTS OCCURRED SIMULTANEOUSLY: A 'POP' SOUND FROM THE ENGINE AREA, COPIOUS WHITE SMOKE (NOT STEAM) FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ACTIVATION. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, AND WHITE SMOKE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 19, 2005 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OVER, OPENED HOOD AND SAW VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. VEHICLE SUFFERED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. ALSO, THROTTLE BODY AND CV JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE STALLES, MISFIRED, AND IDLE FLUCTUATED FROM LOW TO HIGH. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 13, 2003 · fire

1998 Volkswagen Passat — common questions

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 476 complaints put the 1998 model at #10 of 35 Passat years. It is one of the Passat years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Passat problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (103 complaints), suspension (99 complaints), steering (59 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Passat under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volkswagen Passat years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Passat years to avoid are 2013, 1999, 2003, 2014, 2006, 2002, 2012, 2000, 2001, 1998, 2015, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Passat years belongs to 1989.

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.