1998 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
- Complaints
- 192filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 81,282miles, 38 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about power windows that stop working or drop into the door, and about electrical faults such as an ignition switch that cuts lights, wipers and other functions. Window complaints appear across the mileage range, while most electrical reports cluster from roughly 50,000 to 105,000 miles. Tires and cooling-system reports tend to come in at low mileage, and transmission reports at higher mileage.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Power window regulators and motors fail
- 23 complaints (12%)
- median 85,500 mi at 6.9 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 1999–2008
Owners describe windows that stop rolling up or down, make grinding noises, or suddenly drop into the door and stay there. Several report the same door failing more than once, or several doors failing one after another, and mention paying several hundred dollars per door for regulator or motor replacement. Some say the dealer acknowledged seeing the problem often but charged for the repair, and a few describe taping a window up in the closed position to keep driving. Reports span a wide mileage range, from about 18,000 up past 110,000 miles, and are not tied to any particular season.
What to check: Roll every window fully down and up and listen for grinding or slow travel; ask whether any regulator or motor has already been replaced and on which doors.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Window failure, falls into door. 1998 vw Jetta. Leaving a friends home the drivers rear window just drops into the door. Unable to afford repair window still non usable, window tied off in the up position. I have read its due to the plastic clips. I don't know but would like more information.”
NHTSA complaint #10095874, filed 2004-10, 79,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10154541, filed 2006-04, 100,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition switch cuts power to lights and wipers
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the key shifting or falling back slightly while driving, which shuts off the electrical system: headlights, wipers, defroster fan and warning lights change state without warning. Some owners say the switch was diagnosed and quoted for replacement, and others report being told the model year was not covered by an earlier campaign for the same part. Mostly reported between roughly 75,000 and 105,000 miles, though one owner cites about 50,000 miles; several mention it happening at night or in rain.
What to check: With the engine running, try wiggling the key gently in the ignition and watch whether lights or wipers flicker; ask whether the ignition switch has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ignition switch. I have a faulty ignition switch. With the car running, there have been occasions when my headlights have turned off, and the brake light came on. I have seen approximately 5 postings on different message boards with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10045153, filed 2003-10, 102,000 miles“The ignition switch in my car is getting worse. The first time it malfunctioned was on a cold and snowy night. I was driving along and all of a sudden the lights went out, the wipers stopped, the defroster fan stopped and the ABS light went on. It was a little unsettling. The vw dealer told me it was a bad ingnition switch and it would cost about $300.oo dollars to replace. When I asked the parts department if they had the switch in stock he laughed and said oh yeah . …”
NHTSA complaint #10056921, filed 2004-02, 82,563 miles - Tires
Tire blowouts and belt separation
- 21 complaints (11%)
- median 47,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2016
Owners describe blowouts and sidewall failures on original-equipment tires at relatively low mileage, in some cases two failures in the same day, with one report of belt separation diagnosed by a tire dealer. Other complaints describe a bulge on the inner sidewall and a tire coming off the vehicle. Reported at low mileage, generally between about 20,000 and 50,000 miles.
What to check: Check the tire label for the correct cold inflation pressure and inspect the inner sidewalls of all four tires for bulges or cracks, especially on older tires.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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”
NHTSA complaint #10870589, filed 2016-05, 1 miles“Blowout of left rear and right front. First occurred 0800 21 apr 01 on interstata 64 west near richmond va. Second later that same day on interstate 95 south north of richmond. In both cases belt separation occurred. No puncture. Holes in sidewall. I took the one tire I saved to a goodyear dealer and he determined that the tire had a defect resulting in belt separation. Wear on the tire even tho it had 50000 miles was over 20% tread left. I would never have expected two blowouts in one day particularly with the tread as good as it appeared. …”
NHTSA complaint #744438, filed 2001-04
Buying note. On a car of this age, check the power windows and ignition switch carefully, since those are the most frequently reported items, and confirm tire condition and coolant system health before purchase. Records of past window regulator, ignition switch and transmission work are more useful than the odometer alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 192 consumer complaints for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. 38 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 81,282 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 59 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system41 21%
- Tires19 9.9%
- Engine cooling15 7.8%
- Body and structure14 7.3%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 7.3%
- Equipment12 6.3%
- Steering12 6.3%
- Brakes11 5.7%
- Fuel system10 5.2%
Also reported: Other or unknown (10), Air bags (9), Suspension (9), Vehicle speed control (8), Exterior lighting (7), Wheels (5), Seat belts (3), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “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!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10174045, filed 2006-11, 110,000 milesElectrical system: “Failure of door wiring harness. Does not allow me to drive the car - the engin will not engage due to the electronic failure of the door wiring harness. There should be some way to override the electronic failure so that I can drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #10005750, filed 2003-02, 65,000 milesTires: “Tire had a sidewall seperation on the highway resulting in accident; this has happened now twice, on the stock tires, first time I thought it was just bad luck, however two times seems to be fishy. The tires have plenty of tread left. I am interested to find out if this has happened to other people.( DOT number: mkhcfjdr19 tire size: 195/60r14 )”
NHTSA complaint #704402, filed 1999-03Engine cooling: “My 98 Jetta tdi engine blew approximately 11,000 past its warranty. This would be the equivent of 5 months driving at the rates I drive per year. The dealership (av nissan/vw) told me they couldn't find what caused it and that it would require a replacement engine. The dealership told vw of america, a different story then either had been related to me (that the car had been driven with warninglights on & with damage). Unfortunately when talking to vw of a. They related the story back to a non-existent employee of the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070381, filed 2004-01, 111,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 38 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 58,000 and 102,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Volkswagen Jetta version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Jetta GLX FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Jetta GLX FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 33 | 44 | 37 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 03V156000Apr 23, 2003Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 1998–1999
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…
- 02V026000Jan 25, 2002Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 1997–1999, Passat 1998–2003, Cabrio 1998
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.
Recall details for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 59 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Engine cooling. Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10237427May 30, 2023Engine cooling. Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Apr 24, 2023Engine cooling. Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10228180Dec 12, 2022Equipment. Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- 10228178Dec 6, 2022Electrical system. Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10175799May 12, 2020Equipment. Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
- 10174476Apr 21, 2020Equipment. Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159010Mar 27, 2019Equipment. The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10159016Mar 12, 2019Engine. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
Other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 300 | 1 | 5 | 34 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 32 | — | 2 | 5 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 46 | 15,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 43 | 11,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 43 | 3,250 | 1 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 9,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 29 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 54 | 6,951 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2019 | 551 | 4,700 | 11 | 5 | 34 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 32 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 160 | 36,950 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 161 | 42,731 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 194 | 42,000 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 388 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 518 | 56,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 500 | 55,412 | 5 | 4 | 26 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 607 | 50,000 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 852 | 53,939 | 4 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 889 | 60,150 | 6 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 188 | 58,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 201 | 53,661 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 580 | 71,491 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 248 | 71,207 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 231 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 456 | 56,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 702 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 668 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 439 | 64,400 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 349 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 192 | 81,282 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 54 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 31 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 220 | 112,984 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 117 | 91,800 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | 170,000 | 4 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 119,646 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 117,000 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 22 | 125,000 | 5 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 19 | — | 7 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | 97,869 | 2 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 13 | — | 3 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Volkswagen Jetta model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners of this model year most often write about power windows that stop working or drop into the door, and about electrical faults such as an ignition switch that cuts lights, wipers and other functions. The issues reported most often: Power window regulators and motors fail; Ignition switch cuts power to lights and wipers; Tire blowouts and belt separation.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA recorded 192 consumer complaints for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 42 complaints (22% of the total), followed by electrical system with 41.
Has the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta (Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta reported?
Among the 38 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 81,282 miles and the middle half falls between 58,000 and 102,000 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.