1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

253

Owner Complaints

14 Crashes 8 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

5

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has received a total of 253 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls (33 complaints), Tires (13 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (10 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, potentially affecting up to 513,365 vehicles.

Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

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.

View full details →

Recall 03V156000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 9,811 vehicles affected

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...

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...

View full details →

Recall 02V026000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

| 487,284 vehicles affected

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....

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

253 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 33
Tires
Complaints: 13
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 10
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 8 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8
Electrical System
Complaints: 7
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 6
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 4 Crashes 6 Injuries
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 4 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 4
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 4
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3
Structure
Complaints: 3
Structurebody
Complaints: 3
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 3
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 2
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineother Fuel Typesturbosupercharger
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissioncolumn Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11545807 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
Airbag Warning Light On
#11046171 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
THE VEHICLES' ANTI THEFT HAD WENT HAYWIRE. WENT TO START, BEEP SOUND WENT OFF. THEN WAS LOCKED INSIDE CAR. WITH THE ALARM GOING OFF. WAS ONLY ABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE BY HAVING PASSERBY UNHOOK BATTERY, WHILE I HELD THE UNLOCK BUTTON. THIS WAS OVER 2 WEEKS AGO. WHEN HOOKING BATTERY BACK UP, THE ALARM STILL GOES OFF. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE. THE BATTERY WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE. NOTHING HAS BEEN ADDED TO VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE TO HOW THIS MATTER WILL BE RESOLVED & IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM.
#11046171 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
THE VEHICLES' ANTI THEFT HAD WENT HAYWIRE. WENT TO START, BEEP SOUND WENT OFF. THEN WAS LOCKED INSIDE CAR. WITH THE ALARM GOING OFF. WAS ONLY ABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE BY HAVING PASSERBY UNHOOK BATTERY, WHILE I HELD THE UNLOCK BUTTON. THIS WAS OVER 2 WEEKS AGO. WHEN HOOKING BATTERY BACK UP, THE ALARM STILL GOES OFF. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE. THE BATTERY WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE. NOTHING HAS BEEN ADDED TO VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE TO HOW THIS MATTER WILL BE RESOLVED & IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM.
#10870589 | TIRES | | 1 miles
TO YO PROXIES FOUR INNER IM ASSUMING TIRE BANDS? FAILED CAUSING A BULGE ON THE INER PART OF MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. NEVER STRUCK ANY OBJECT I WAS JUST DRIVING AND STARTED TO NOTICE A WOBBLE I THOUGHT IT WAS A FRONT END ISSUE SO DIDN'T CHECK TIRE BUT HAD FRONT END LOOKED AT AND TIRE STILL WASN'T NOTICED BECAUSE OF THE PLACEMENT OF FAILURE WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOWEVER NOW IS VERY APPARENT. HAD TO REPLACE FRONT SHOCKS ON 98 VW JETTA AS WELL AS FRONT END BUSHINGS AND PASSENGER A ARM
#10511820 | EQUIPMENT | | N/A miles
LATE IN APRIL, 2013 I INSTALLED A PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM ON A 1998 VW JETTA TDI. THE CONTROL ARM WAS PURCHASED FROM AUTOZONE ( THEIR PART # 520-782) AS AN ASSEMBLY WITH THE BALL JOINT INSTALLED. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THEN WHILE DRIVING IT BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. ON EXAMINATION, 2 OF THE 3 BOLTS WHICH HOLD THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM WERE MISSING, AND THE THIRD WAS EASILY REMOVED BY FINGER. WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED ALL 3 WERE IN PLACE. THE ONE BOLT REMAINING DID NOT HAVE ANY LOCKING COMPOUND, NOR DID IT HAVE A MECHANICAL LOCKING DEVICE, SUCH AS A LOCK WASHER OR LOCK NUT. I INSTALLED 3 HARDENED BOLTS WITH LOCKING COMPOUND, AND THE CAR HAS BEEN FINE FOR THE PAST 5 DAYS. IF THE THIRD BOLT HAD FALLEN OUT, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL, AND THE PROBABLE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CRASH. *TR

View all Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TT280802 — POWER TRAIN

If a customer comments that the key cannot be removed from the ignition when the transmission is in PARK or that the PRND12 is not reading correctly in the MFI, DO NOT replace the ignition switch, lock cylinder, or lock housing assembly. Instead, be sure the Ignition lock solenoid is...

9808 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON CHECKING AND SETTING THE READINESS CODE. *YC

9802 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

INFORMATION ON INSTALLING ANY AFTERMARKET RADIO. *YC

57 9706 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PROGRAMMING/REPROGRAMMING ON REMOTE LOCKING/ALARM SYSTEM TRANSMITTERS. *YC

13 9706 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION CINCERNING ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY. *AK

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

View all VOLKSWAGEN JETTA model years →

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

View all VOLKSWAGEN models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report