1998 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 4% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,100 miles. 1 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.
“(1) first, the turn signals began to act strange. When using them they flashed, paused, then continued to flash. Later in the day when attempting to put the hazard lights on, they didn't work. After that, the turn signals didn't work either. (2) safety issue while driving, but no accident/injury occurred. (3) took car to independent vw mechanic who replaced hazard/turn signal switch assembly. (4) now researching problem and found that a recall for this very problem began on march 31, 2005 (NHTSA campaign id number 04v584000); however it didn't include the 1998 model year. Why not? …”
NHTSA complaint #10118329, filed 2005-04, 79,100 miles“Stop brake light too dim on vw Jetta 1999 old body style. I was driving on a local road with a safe distance to the car infront of me ( a Jetta 1999 old body style) all of a sudden the car stopped and I never saw its tail lights turn on. Consequently I rear ended the vehicle resulting in a total loss of my vehicle. Interestingly the driver in the car infront of me told me that ever since he had purchased this card (about 2 yrs ago) he has been rear ended 3 times before. Today I was driving down and I nearly rear ended another Jetta of the same make and model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037343, filed 2003-09“While driving headlights were dim. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer. Consumer found there were alot of complaints regarding the headlights. Consumer had to replace the bulb with higher waltage. There was also a problem with the passat. However, the problem was electrical.”
NHTSA complaint #10102001, filed 2004-12Related service bulletins
- 10158533Feb 18, 2019Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10121257Mar 27, 2015Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
- 10239592Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10120169Jun 4, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The…
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239591Mar 6, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10124287Mar 6, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on…
- 10239590Feb 14, 2011Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 26 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 24 | 6% |
| 2013 | 17 | 3% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 41 | 7% |
| 2010 | 19 | 2% |
| 2009 | 24 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 32 | 6% |
| 2005 | 14 | 6% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 28 | 6% |
| 2002 | 50 | 7% |
| 2001 | 80 | 12% |
| 2000 | 34 | 8% |
| 1999 | 17 | 5% |
| 1998 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
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 complaintsAir bags
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