1998 Volkswagen Golf Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 22%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Volkswagen Golf, 22% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10055852, filed 2004-01, 24,000 miles“The Volkswagen certified dealership was absolutely horrible. All the listed problems I brought it back to them repeatedly, and it would normally take 3-5 visits for the item to get fixed. I didn't even get to list all the problems with the speaker panel, clutch, and fenders getting flexed. I will never own another Volkswagen, or go to the dealership ever again.”
NHTSA complaint #714777, filed 1999-11“Transmission has locked into 3rd gear with out warning. This has caused a lack performance. Almost caused an accident due to the car not acelerating as expected.”
NHTSA complaint #728690, filed 2000-08“When pulling out the rpms reached up to 40,000 before transmission was shifted to the next gear and this is an automatic transmission. Dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #829809, filed 1998-10Related service bulletins
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2022 | 25 | 31% |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 13 | 21% |
| 2018 | 4 | 14% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 11% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 9 | 19% |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 7 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
| 1998 | 4 | 22% |
| 1997 | 3 | 43% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 18% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Golf
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology