CarRecordBook

Model year record

1998 Volkswagen Jetta recalls & problems

The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta has 3 safety recalls and 192 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility (44 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints192filed by owners
Crashes · fires11 · 8reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints
1998 Volkswagen Jetta in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
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.
Risk
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix
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.
EquipmentApr 23, 2003

Other › Labels

Recall 03V1560009,811 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 SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A 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.
Fuel system, gasolineJan 25, 2002

Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

Recall 02V026000487,284 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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
FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Fix
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.

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.

Crash test ratings

1998 Volkswagen Jetta III 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Jetta Diesel

37mpg combined
City / highway33 / 44 mpg
FuelDiesel

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Jetta

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Jetta

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Jetta GLX

19mpg combined
City / highway16 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Jetta GLX

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer4400077,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; 12v/24v/48v battery4206169,050 mi
TiresSidewall; Tread/belt2010218,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system; Engine › Gasoline170009,175 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission15100—
StructureBody › Door; Body14100—
SteeringColumn locking › Anti-theft device; Hydraulic power assist system13000—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.1201050,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components11202—
Unknown or other10000100,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module9406—
SuspensionRear; Front9210—

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

Recent owner complaints

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

NHTSA defect investigations