The 1998 Volkswagen Passat has 59 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 12% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
59
Steering complaints
12%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
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.
“ONGOING DISPUTE WITH VCI AND VW OVER LEASE PAYMENTS AND RECALL AND DAMAGES. NO SAFETY DEFECTS MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK”
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat steering — 12% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 99V248000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.