1998 Volkswagen Jetta Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 5% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“For the last several months while driving the airbag warning light flickers on at various times. Returned to repair shop twice and as told no error codes have been registered by the car. This happens in wet and dry weather all different times. When the car is started the indicator light always does go off. I am the sole driver, original owner, always serviced, no modifications to the car, and never in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10074682, filed 2004-06, 120,000 miles“While driving 35 MPH vehicle collided with a tree. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Driver and passenger sustained minor injuries, and were transported to the hospital. Vehicle was taken to the dealer and dealer was unable to duplicate or resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10075721, filed 2004-06“Was traveling about 30-35 MPH when consumer's vehicle hit another automobile head-on, and air bags did not deploy. Impact also caused seat belts not to retract. Consumer was slightly injuried.”
NHTSA complaint #856086, filed 2000-02“Recurring issue - air bag warning light stays lit after starting. Takes dealership a long time to diagnose and fix. We have lost over 2 weeks of use of the vehicle so far.”
NHTSA complaint #744106, filed 2001-04“While driving at approximately 25 MPH and after applying brakes rearended a mid-sized truck. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy which could have caused injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #871234, filed 2000-09Related service bulletins
- 10213836Jan 22, 2016Airbag Issues.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 16 | 3% |
| 2018 | 6 | 19% |
| 2017 | 21 | 13% |
| 2016 | 7 | 4% |
| 2015 | 17 | 9% |
| 2014 | 37 | 10% |
| 2013 | 31 | 6% |
| 2012 | 34 | 7% |
| 2011 | 37 | 6% |
| 2010 | 31 | 4% |
| 2009 | 35 | 4% |
| 2008 | 20 | 11% |
| 2007 | 35 | 17% |
| 2006 | 65 | 11% |
| 2005 | 26 | 10% |
| 2004 | 21 | 9% |
| 2003 | 77 | 17% |
| 2002 | 108 | 15% |
| 2001 | 97 | 15% |
| 2000 | 41 | 9% |
| 1999 | 30 | 9% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 9% |
| 1995 | 22 | 10% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
42 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsTires
19 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
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