1998 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
192 complaints11 involved a crash8 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Airbag Warning Light On
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Tires
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…
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
- Equipment · Suspension
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…
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
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
I have been trapped inside the front seat of this vehicle. both front doors will occasionally not open from inside or outside the car, even with the doors unlocked. this IS an intermittent and unpredictable problem that I feel IS quite dangerous. these vehicles should have been recalled and had the door locking mechanism replaced. *tr
- Power train
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta GL. The contact stated that the gear shift lever would not release out of park because the brake sensor failed. Each time the brake pedal was depressed, the gear shift would not move out of park. The contact called the dealer who stated that she would have to repair the vehicle at her expense. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure
Totally rusted out area around gas intake pipe. volkswagen jetta 1998. *tr
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 15 mph the vehicle hit a pot hole and sustained a flat tire. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to replace the tire with the spare and the jack broke. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 15 mph the vehicle hit a pot hole and sustained a flat tire. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to replace the tire with the spare and the jack broke. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that the jack was not covered under warranty and it would be the contacts responsibility to replace it. The jack was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
- Unknown or other
Request for complete consumer copies re safety report on 1998 volkswagen jetta. *tgw
- Unknown or other
I own a 1998 VW jetta GL and have had to replace the transmission twice now because, I am told, VW increased the torque on jettas of this year by adding a 5TH gear, which results in excessive wear to the reverse gear and results in several reverse gear teeth chipping, thus rendering reverse inoperable. As I said before I have had to replace my transmission twice now due to the faulty reverse gear. *Tr
- Steering · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta. the contact stated that the control arm bushing needed to be replaced because it made a noise and caused the vehicle to lunge forward when stopping. a mechanic stated that the replacement would cost nearly $500. in addition, the steering rack would…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta. the contact stated that the control arm bushing needed to be replaced because it made a noise and caused the vehicle to lunge forward when stopping. a mechanic stated that the replacement would cost nearly $500. in addition, the steering rack would make a noise when the steering wheel was turned. the mechanic added steering fluid and informed the contact that there was a substantial leak, which was worsening. the estimate to repair the leak was $1,084.84. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. the current mileage was approximately 86,000 and failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The windows in the doors are falling down and needing the mechanism replaced. this has happened to 3 of the doors so far. has this been a problem-was there ever a recall for this-this seems like a weird thing to have happen. it IS a safety issue because you cannot roll the window up or down, as well as the interior getting wet from the weather. thank you. rebecca *tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I have 1998 VW jetta--i presently have three electric windows which do not go up or down. two of them have previously been repaired. this appears to be a defect or needed recall. cause of problems IS motors or regulators. these should be repaired by VW. of all the vehicles I have owned in the past 40 years with electric windows I have never had a problems except with the VW jetta. *tr
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta. while driving 25 mph, the ABS warning light illuminated and the passenger side rear wheel disengaged. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the wheel bearing separated. they replaced the wheel bearings, spindles, speed sensor, ring…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta. while driving 25 mph, the ABS warning light illuminated and the passenger side rear wheel disengaged. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the wheel bearing separated. they replaced the wheel bearings, spindles, speed sensor, ring, and drum. approximately two years later, while driving 55-60 mph, the passenger side rear wheel disengaged. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the dealer stated that the wheel bearings failed. as of august 21, 2007, the failure has not been repaired. the contact also stated that the windows would not roll up or down. the dealer stated that the window regulators failed and that there was a recall on previous models. the nhtsa campaign ID and powertrain were unavailable. the current mileage was 138,022 and failure mileage was 101,612.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core · Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Like others, I have had the ignition coil replaced. This happened after the warranty expired, of course. I have also had electrical problems with the windows (regulator and motor) for all of them. Now, my check engine light IS flashing and the car IS sputtering. I know the secondary air intake…
Like others, I have had the ignition coil replaced. This happened after the warranty expired, of course. I have also had electrical problems with the windows (regulator and motor) for all of them. Now, my check engine light IS flashing and the car IS sputtering. I know the secondary air intake valve needs replacing but it did not cause problems. Now I'm wondering if something new IS wrong??? Also, I was having problems with losing coolant and had to continuously replace antifreeze. After fixing what I thought was a small leak the entire system will not produce cool air! This car has been nothing but problems and VW should look into all of these complaints. *jb
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I bought a used 1998 VW jetta for my daughter. Good car fun to drive but one day as she was driving the rear passenger window fell down into the door. A few weeks later the passenger side front window fell into the door. Most recently during the summer the driver's front window fell into the door.…
I bought a used 1998 VW jetta for my daughter. Good car fun to drive but one day as she was driving the rear passenger window fell down into the door. A few weeks later the passenger side front window fell into the door. Most recently during the summer the driver's front window fell into the door. All of these incidents could startle a driver or shatter the window. Currently she has the window taped up on the driver's door and it hinders her visibility. VW said it would cost $485 per door!!!! You know the driver's rear door will go soon and it just doesn't seem right that we should have to invest another close to $2000 just to keep the windows up! This IS a common problem but when I called VW they thanked me for being a loyal VW customer and asked me if I name my cars...vw knows that the plastic bottom on the regulator fails and they replace them with metal ones. They should do this for everyone that has these cars. I believe in 2001 the regulators with metal bottoms are oem. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition
Glow plug control unit fails on 1998 VW jetta tdi, but there IS no part for the last 5+ months available from volkswagen. Also, there IS no estimate of when volkswagen will have a part available. This IS nationwide. The control unit IS essential for the starting of the car. *nm
- Suspension › Rear · Wheels
Dt*: the contact stated the left rear wheel detached from the vehicle, crossed the highway and hit another vehicle. the other vehicle sustained minor body damage. a police report was filed. this occurred while driving 35 mph without warning. the vehicle was pulled to the side of the highway.…
Dt*: the contact stated the left rear wheel detached from the vehicle, crossed the highway and hit another vehicle. the other vehicle sustained minor body damage. a police report was filed. this occurred while driving 35 mph without warning. the vehicle was pulled to the side of the highway. the vehicle was then towed to an independent repair shop. the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem; however the left rear wheel assembly, brakes, rim and tire were replaced. the manufacturer was not alerted.*ak updated 7/13/2006 - the bearing on the left rear wheel was loose and worn. *nm
- Equipment · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I purchased a used 1998 volkswagen jetta glx several years ago. within a year of purchase, the front driver side window failed to opperate properly. I had the regulator replaced. a year later the front passenger window failed. that regulator was replaced. a year later the front driver side…
I purchased a used 1998 volkswagen jetta glx several years ago. within a year of purchase, the front driver side window failed to opperate properly. I had the regulator replaced. a year later the front passenger window failed. that regulator was replaced. a year later the front driver side failed again. before I could get it fixed, the rear diver side window failed as well. both regulators are being replaced. the total cost of these repairs will be over $2000. I find it appalling that the same problem can occur multiple times in the same vehicle. I have learned that this IS a common problem for VW vehicles and yet nothing IS being done to correct it - be it a design flaw, manufacturing problem, etc. failed regulators are both a safety and security problem. I hope that nhtsa takes these complaints seriously and investigates the problem. *nm
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
1998 jetta glx. another window regulator default. I'm original owner, third time this has occurred. back passenger window twice, no one ever sits back there and the window IS hardly ever used. sat. Driver's window, ker-plunk. really annoying, window down and it's raining. had to tape the…
1998 jetta glx. another window regulator default. I'm original owner, third time this has occurred. back passenger window twice, no one ever sits back there and the window IS hardly ever used. sat. Driver's window, ker-plunk. really annoying, window down and it's raining. had to tape the opening closed. I'm paying for the repair, I know VW of america will not. between this issue and the body molding constantly falling off, I doubt I'll buy another vw.*jb
- Steering › Column
It was raining. my windshield wipers were on. white smoke came up from my steering column for a couple seconds. what makes this particularly frustrating, this happened on a 94 jetta I once owned. this happened on a 96 jetta my sister owned. eventually, something in the steering column burned…
It was raining. my windshield wipers were on. white smoke came up from my steering column for a couple seconds. what makes this particularly frustrating, this happened on a 94 jetta I once owned. this happened on a 96 jetta my sister owned. eventually, something in the steering column burned out and had to be replaced. we both paid for those to be replaced. now, years later, I am faced with another burning steering column. I hope to find that VW IS owning up to poor design, and when this one finally breaks, that they foot the bill for their failure. referred to this site by this link: http://www.sportcompactracing.com/vbulletin/printthread.php?t=36741 I did a quick yahoo search to find that this was not a jinx that hit just my family. *nm
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I have a 1998 VW jetta GLS. I have previously replaced a window regulator at a cost of $450, now the remaining 3 have failed within a week. This IS a known problem with VW and VW has acknowledged it with service bulletins,etc. VW USA customer care has refused to cover the repair. *jb
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
This IS the third time this has happened to my same vehicle, all happened the same way. each time a different window. the power window button will start making noise when you raise/lower the window, then the window will only close half way. if you press the power window button again the…
This IS the third time this has happened to my same vehicle, all happened the same way. each time a different window. the power window button will start making noise when you raise/lower the window, then the window will only close half way. if you press the power window button again the window will drop into the door. in the past it happened to my 2 back passenger windows. each time VW told me it was the window regulator and it cost about $350 to fix it. Since they are back passenger windows the dealer told me they could just prop the window up with a piece of wood much cheaper. today the exact same sequence of events happened to my drivers side window, since its a driver window I most likely will have to pay out the $350 to replace the faulty regulator. looking at www.myvwlemon.com I was surprised to see that this IS an extremely common occurrence with all makes of VW yet VW accepts no responsibility for a faulty part.*jb
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I have had the front driver's side window regulator replaced/repaired twice by the dealer under warranty. Then I replaced it myself once, as the repair costs are too expensive. Then it broke again and I don't have the funds to fix it, so I simply avoid rolling down the window. the rear driver's…
I have had the front driver's side window regulator replaced/repaired twice by the dealer under warranty. Then I replaced it myself once, as the repair costs are too expensive. Then it broke again and I don't have the funds to fix it, so I simply avoid rolling down the window. the rear driver's side regulator has been replaced once by the dealer under warranty. the rear passenger's side regulator IS now acting up. I'm afraid to roll down my windows as they may not roll back up.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
1. driving 2. lights went out, fan went out and windshield wipers stopped working.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank puncture
- Fuel tank puncture
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on august 10, 2000 based on 9 reports regarding punctured fuel tanks involving the jetta, passat, and cabrio models.the reports indicate additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation.this investigation has been upgraded for further study.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240922Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10238598If 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 working properly and/or check that the N376 (called the "catch"), is connected to the lock housing. In some cases you may get a fault code 00194 009 Ignition key removal from lock open circuit/ short to earth. Use MVB 5 in address word 16-Steering Column Electronics for an aid in diagnosis. Please be certain to use the VIN in ETKA to obtain the latest part number(s) available.
- 10238572Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10228180Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- 10228178Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10213843Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10175799Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
- 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159016Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10159014Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10158533Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10158529Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10157828Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10157302Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10150856Engine replacement tip
- 10133469Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
- 1013334417 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10128105This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128104This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128055This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10127969Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.