Model year record

1998 Volkswagen Golf recalls & problems

The 1998 Volkswagen Golf has 1 safety recall and 18 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (6 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints18filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentApr 22, 2003

Other › Labels

Recall 03V1550004,243 vehicles

Problem: 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 RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
Risk: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALLY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT RISK FOR A CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	6	—
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Wiring	5	75,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Clutch assembly	4	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	2	—
Exterior lightingTurn signal › Flasher unit; Headlights	2	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield wiper/washer	2	—
EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.; Appliance › Air conditioner	2	—
SeatsFront assembly › Head restraint	1	—
Tires	1	—
Air bagsFrontal	1	—
Wheels	1	—
Vehicle speed control	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
HEADLIGHTS AND AC INTERMITTENTLY WENT OFF COMPLETELY AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT DIDN'T GO AWAY ON DASHBOARD; MECHANIC DETERMINED A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE. *JB
Dec 18, 2004 · 75,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission
THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THAN 40 MPH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Jan 26, 2004 · 24,000 miles
Electrical system › Wiring
ELECTRICAL DEFECT: WHEN TURNING IGNITION ON AND ENGINE RUNNING, I EXPERIENCE A TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, A/C FAN MOTOR, DEFROSTER, DRL, FOG LAMPS, REAR-WINDOW DEFOGGER, AND HEATER. (ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS CONTINUE FUNCTIONING.) SOMETIMES THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHERE EVERYTHING FUNCTIONS; MOST OF THE TIME NONE OF THESE UNITS FUNCTION ELECTRICALLY. ADDITIONAL NOTE: THE "BRAKE" LAMP GLOWS ON IN THE DASH WHEN THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OCCURS. (EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NOT ENGAGED.) CANNOT DRIVE AT NIGHT. VOLKSWAGON WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR.*AK
Jul 8, 2003 · 153,000 miles
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE CAUSES SWITCHED DEVICES TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE DEVICES I HAVE PERSONALLY IDENTIFIED THAT LOOSE POWER ARE: HEADLIGHTS, DRL, ABS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR FAN, FOG LIGHTS. WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION, IT IS POSIBLE TO ROTATE IT SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT AND TURN THE ABOVE MENTIONED DEVICES OFF WHILE THE CAR CONTINUES TO RUN. THIS CAN EASILY HAPPEN (AND DOES HAPPEN) WHILE DRIVING. SEARCHING YOUR DATABASE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS AND OTHER SIMILAR MODELS WHICH PROBABLY USE THE SAME IGNITION SWITCH REVEALS 15 SWITCH FAILURES (865957, 897162, 876280, 899086, 608861, 609016, 758101, 888070, 8014837, 733016, 607392, 8021547, 869601, 750653,…
Jan 15, 2003 · 57,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWICE DUE TO A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *YH
Jan 28, 2000
Exterior lighting › Headlights
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. MECHANIC DETERMINED A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE. *AK
Nov 11, 2001
Wheels
WHEELS WERE BONDED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Aug 20, 2001
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
FAILURE OF BREATHER VALVE AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, REPAIRED BY PRIVATE MECHANIC THAT GOT A KIT TO REPLACE POORLY DESIGNED UNIT WICH HAS A DEALER BUY BACK # 0444294 , VOLKSWAGEN SAID THERE WAS NO SUCH KIT TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND NO RECALL I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND HAVE RECIEVED NO AID FROM VOLKSWAGEN
Jul 13, 2001

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.