1998 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Passat › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
331 complaints6 involved a crash4 involved a fire12 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Steering · Vehicle speed control
The timing chain system IS defective and they know it. Why didn't they inform me of this.maybe because they have hands full with the emission cheating scandal. or if they did them they would be liable for all the complaints before. Please putvoutca recall. This car IS dangerous !!!!!
- Fuel/propulsion system
Driving back home from store and car just died out than smelt like gas.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Cabin smells like fumes for starters an gas gauge IS off car says it has quarter of a tank an than I run out of gas almost had a accident because of this ! Also car has tons of electrical problems if it sits for more than three days battery dies but my main concern IS my fuel gauge. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS module appears to be faulty. ABS and brake light remain on/flashing. loss of ABS could cause collision, dealer wants $1000+ for the part and does not guarantee it will fix the problem. *Tr
- Electrical system
Fire in rubber boot housing between left rear door and car frame. preceding events, left rear door speaker was not functioning, left rear window functioned sometimes. door was closed after returning home and parking garage. Arcing was heard and smoke came from door. owner removed many fuses from…
Fire in rubber boot housing between left rear door and car frame. preceding events, left rear door speaker was not functioning, left rear window functioned sometimes. door was closed after returning home and parking garage. Arcing was heard and smoke came from door. owner removed many fuses from drivers side fuse panel and then removed connections to main battery. door panel cover was removed and boot removed to find housing on 5 of the 8 wires burnt and most of the wire burnt through the wire. pictures are available. *Tr
- Electrical system · Parking brake · Service brakes, hydraulic
The ABS light comes on,followed by the brake light blinking the engine oil light comes on and the tachometer goes to 0 and stops working even though I am accelerating. There are many others with this same issue it can be researched on http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?threadid=2447&tstart=0. *Tr
- Service brakes, electric
The ABS light stays on, the brake light flashes, the engine oil light comes on and the tachometer goes to 0 and stops working even though I am accelerating. The control module was the culprit and it would cost $1450.00 and there was no used part available and it IS a dealer only part. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
ABS module failure. Was driving shortly after having front end work done and light when on. This happens intermittently while driving. Braking IS affected. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
ABS module in operative ABS system. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The ABS module in my 1998 volkswagen passat 1.8T has gone bad. this fault came without notice of any symptoms and completely unprovoked. the warning lamp and tone appear every time I start the vehicle. this IS a known issue with many independent volkswagen mechanics and many passat owners. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
The lower control arms on my 1998 VW passat are defective and dangerous according to my mechanic. VW refuses to replace them even though there was a recall for these parts. The reasoning IS that: - I brought my car in for the recall at their dealer in 2005 and at the time the parts seemed ok. - at…
The lower control arms on my 1998 VW passat are defective and dangerous according to my mechanic. VW refuses to replace them even though there was a recall for these parts. The reasoning IS that: - I brought my car in for the recall at their dealer in 2005 and at the time the parts seemed ok. - at this time, their dealer has reinspected the car. The VW dealer thinks that both lower front control arms on the car need replacement. However the parts are not about to fail and the car IS still drivable and thus VW will not pay for their replacement. My mechanic states that the car need to be replaced and the car IS dangerous to drive in this condition. Please advise whether VW IS responsible under the "revised-vm (40G3) - december 2004" recall campaign to fix these. Thanks *tr
- Service brakes, electric
As an oem safety feature, now I believe required, the ABS control module on my 1998 volkswagen passat, has failed, leaving this feature inoperative. luckily for my self this has not become a burden or caused injury, but I'm sure that others are not as lucky as I have been. *Tr
- Service brakes, electric
My ABS computer failed on my 1998 V6 passat. this seems to be a common occurrence and there should have been a recall on this defective part. it IS dangerous and causes irregular braking and flashing dashboard lights. *Tr
- Suspension
Noise from left side control arm of a 1998 VW passat 1.8T. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
My 1998 VW passat glx began exhibiting a flashing/beeping red light to indicate a failure in the ABS system. Upon further research with other owners of this vehicle, it has come to my attention that this failure IS fairly common on 1998-2001 passats, but no action has ever been taken by the…
My 1998 VW passat glx began exhibiting a flashing/beeping red light to indicate a failure in the ABS system. Upon further research with other owners of this vehicle, it has come to my attention that this failure IS fairly common on 1998-2001 passats, but no action has ever been taken by the manufacturer. I had the ABS module rebuilt and did the removal and installation work myself; the result was $220 out of pocket. However, many people who have sought dealership service work for this same problem have spent well in excess of $1,000. Given the apparent failure rate of this module and the fact that it IS a core safety feature of the car, it IS my opinion that it should be considered for recall (including compensation for those who have already made the repair). Thank you. *Tr
- Service brakes, electric
ABS/ brake light are on, chimes sound when vehicle IS turned on and won't turn off. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS computer failure 98 VW passat... Complete absfailure all the time. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS brakes ceased to function after approx 60K miles. because of the expense to fix (dealer quoted $2400, indie mechs about $1400), they remain non-functional (my car IS now 95K miles). *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS/ brake light are on and 3 chimes sound when vehicle IS turned on. *Tr
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Sunroof spontaneously opens and closes without warning. when it opens, it IS impossible to get it closed with the switch as it never returns to a predictable position based on the markings on the switch. once open, it may close itself at randomly and unpredictably. when it IS open, I'm afraid to…
Sunroof spontaneously opens and closes without warning. when it opens, it IS impossible to get it closed with the switch as it never returns to a predictable position based on the markings on the switch. once open, it may close itself at randomly and unpredictably. when it IS open, I'm afraid to get my hand near it for fear it will close and pinch me. it has also spontaneously opened during rainstorms which causes me to divert my attention to the road attempting to close it. the rain entering my car while it happens IS also a major distraction. This problem IS not unique to just my car. nearly everyone I know with a 98 or 99 passat has this problem. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Electrical system › Wiring · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
My ABS light intermittently comes on followed by the brake light flashing> upon researching this on several various forums on the net. This appears to be a commonly defective part on several model years from 98-01. The oldest posting I found was done in 2000 and the vehicle was a 99. From…
My ABS light intermittently comes on followed by the brake light flashing> upon researching this on several various forums on the net. This appears to be a commonly defective part on several model years from 98-01. The oldest posting I found was done in 2000 and the vehicle was a 99. From researching this it appears even VW dealers are unable to get correct problem codes on this issue. I saw postings from many owners stating they were told everything from ABS modules needing replaced to instrument clusters to wiring issues. It appears no one IS absolutely sure what the issue IS as some owners after the dealer recommend replacements did not fix the issue. In the short time I looked into this I feel that VW should be well aware of this issue and have taken steps to resolve it. I saw literally years worth of postings a on this issue on bentley publishers website. I can only imagine how many thousands of people have had to pay for things that did not do any research on it. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS controller failed. module scan showed: 01203 - electrical connection between ABS and instrument cluster 03-10 - no signal - intermittent. *Jb
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Steering: control arms. the vehicle was purchased used with approx 34K miles. Service has been maintained by owner and/or independent repair. At approximately 50K owner was notified by independent repair service that both upper control arms needed to be replaced. Owner chose not to do the repair…
Steering: control arms. the vehicle was purchased used with approx 34K miles. Service has been maintained by owner and/or independent repair. At approximately 50K owner was notified by independent repair service that both upper control arms needed to be replaced. Owner chose not to do the repair at that time. during 2005 owner received a letter from volkswagen about a recall on the affected part(s). two local volkswagen dealerships acknowledged the part was defective but denied to do the work under the recall notification. Both gave justification that because the owner could not document service checks at the recommended factory intervals the volkswagen company would not pay for parts or service. owner called the volkswagen company directly and a customer service representative verified the policy. Owner has since replaced one control art, however the other side also needs repair. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen passat. the contact heard a popping noise while driving 3 mph in reverse. the front end of the vehicle slammed to the ground without warning. the vehicle was towed and a local mechanic replaced the lower right control arm. the contact has the failed…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen passat. the contact heard a popping noise while driving 3 mph in reverse. the front end of the vehicle slammed to the ground without warning. the vehicle was towed and a local mechanic replaced the lower right control arm. the contact has the failed component along with pictures. the manufacturer would not perform the repair for free. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 197,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Volkswagen passat 1998 dashboard indicated that the ABS brakes failed. replacement or repair was estimated at approx $1,000. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Stuck-open throttle
Vwoa has recalled approximately 28,300 my 1998-99 A6 vehicles in cold weather states that experienced the highest rate of throttle icing incidents in the subject vehicles (04v-495).the failure rate in the A4 and passat vehicles IS much lower than in the recalled vehicles.odi will continue to monitor the experience in…
Vwoa has recalled approximately 28,300 my 1998-99 A6 vehicles in cold weather states that experienced the highest rate of throttle icing incidents in the subject vehicles (04v-495).the failure rate in the A4 and passat vehicles IS much lower than in the recalled vehicles.odi will continue to monitor the experience in the A4 and passat vehicles.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists for the audi A4 or VW passat vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by a change in circumstances. For further details see the attached closing report.
- Passenger air bag lid failure
This investigation involves the volkswagen (VW) passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) lid utilized in my 1998-2002 VW passat.the psir lid may detach from the instrument panel during air bag deployment.the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa)…
This investigation involves the volkswagen (VW) passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) lid utilized in my 1998-2002 VW passat.the psir lid may detach from the instrument panel during air bag deployment.the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) opened the preliminary evaluation on may 23, 2003 to determine whether alleged psir lid detachment presents an unreasonable safety risk to passengers in the vehicle.odi?s investigation reveals that detachment of the psir lid during air bag deployment may occur for two reasons: 1) the shape of the psir lid, and the length of the attaching tether, may snag the air bag during deployment applying additional pressure on bolts that fasten the lid to the instrument panel (ip); and/or 2) the original psir lid design (subject vehicles) utilized six grade 4.8 mm carbon steel tack weld bolts which may not be as strong as the new design psir lid consisting of six grade 8.8 mm carbon steel press bolts that are heat treated.odi concludes that detachment of the psir lid IS a defect because the lid should remain attached to the ip after deployment of the airbag.however, after analyzing vw?s responses, and test data collected by VW and faurecia, the psir lid supplier, odi believes that further investigation would not likely identify a safety-related defect trend because a detached psir lid and parts do not project towards a passenger during deployment of the airbag.the test data shows that the airbag pushes a detached psir lid upwards into the windshield during deployment, and away from the passenger compartment.it IS highly unlikely that a passenger would contact the psir lid or associated parts during air bag deployment.therefore this engineering analysis (ea 03-020) IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. For a detailed discussion of the psir lid and testing, see the attached report.
- Passenger sir door mounting stud failure
Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (VW) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw…
Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (VW) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw implemented a process change on march 1, 2002.this process change consisted of changing the bolt application that fastens the psir door to the ip from a weld on application to a press on application.vw also changed the material of the bolt.vw stated that the changes were made to ease production by eliminating a welding process.odi has upgraded its investigation to engineering analysis (ea03-020).
- 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.
- Power brake booster vacuum by-pass
There is no summary currently available
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
- 10242998VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242336VW 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
- 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)
- 10238620To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from the tables below. Note that the first table is only applicable to 2.8L V6 equipped vehicles WITHOUT a CAN-Bus. All 1.8L Turbo vehicles and those 2.8L V6 vehicles that are equipped with a CAN-Bus should use the second table.
- 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.
- 10238568For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel fuel from a reputable source. If the complaint still exists, check fuel pressure and injector timing.
- 10238056Corrosion where handle contacts rear lid (Figure 1).
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10236450Corrosion on hood edge.
- 10236448Rear quarter panel corrosion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10157760Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables): This document informs To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from the tables in this document.
- 10157623Tech Tips (Fuel Gauge Inoperative after Instrument Cluster Replacement with Fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-?): An inoperative fuel gauge after instrument cluster replacement with fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-? may be caused by gateway (address word 19) coding. This document informs of the procedure to resolve this concern
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10157302Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10156161Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables): This document informs To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from the tables in this document.
- 10156050Tech Tips (Fuel Gauge Inoperative after Instrument Cluster Replacement with Fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-?): An inoperative fuel gauge after instrument cluster replacement with fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-? may be caused by gateway (address word 19) coding. This document informs of the procedure to resolve this concern
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.