1998 Volkswagen Jetta Suspension 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 suspension 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. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“The contact owns a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the control arm bushing needed to be replaced because it made a noise and caused the vehicle to lunge forward when stopping. A mechanic stated that the replacement would cost nearly $500. In addition, the steering rack would make a noise when the steering wheel was turned. The mechanic added steering fluid and informed the contact that there was a substantial leak, which was worsening. The estimate to repair the leak was $1,084.84. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10249004, filed 2008-11, 84,000 miles“The contact stated the left rear wheel detached from the vehicle, crossed the highway and hit another vehicle. The other vehicle sustained minor body damage. A police report was filed. This occurred while driving 35 MPH without warning. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the highway. The vehicle was then towed to an independent repair shop. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem; however the left rear wheel assembly, brakes, rim and tire were replaced. The manufacturer was not alerted. Updated 7/13/2006 - the bearing on the left rear wheel was loose and worn.”
NHTSA complaint #10160152, filed 2006-06, 156,000 miles“Late in april, 2013 I installed a passenger side control arm on a 1998 vw Jetta tdi. The control arm was purchased from autozone ( their part # 520-782) as an assembly with the ball joint installed. The car ran fine for about 2 weeks. Then while driving it began pulling to the right. On examination, 2 of the 3 bolts which hold the ball joint on the control arm were missing, and the third was easily removed by finger. When it was installed all 3 were in place. …”
NHTSA complaint #10511820, filed 2013-05“While driving at 60 MPH and without any warning right rear wheel lugs:nuts came off, causing consumer to lose control. Dealer stated that wheel bearing went bad.”
NHTSA complaint #10038197, filed 2003-09“While driving heard popping sound and steering wheel moved up, lower control arm had broken. The dealer indicated that control arms were back ordered nation wide.”
NHTSA complaint #879499, filed 2001-01Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 17 | 3% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 14 | 7% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 14 | 3% |
| 2012 | 10 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 2% |
| 2009 | 6 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% |
| 2001 | 10 | 2% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 3% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 9% |
| 1995 | 11 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
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 Oct 31, 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