1998 Volkswagen Jetta Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 7%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 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.
“The contact owns a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta gl. The contact stated that the gear shift lever would not release out of park because the brake sensor failed. Each time the brake pedal was depressed, the gear shift would not move out of park. The contact called the dealer who stated that she would have to repair the vehicle at her expense. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10384265, filed 2011-02, 130,000 miles“First incident with gear shifter happened in march 1999 when it popped out of first, third and fifth gear while driving. The gear shifter rattled immensely. The second time, it had been hard to get into first and third gear and was popping out of first gear in particular. Prior to having the car fixed, it was parked in my driveway during a storm. The car popped out of gear and rolled down my driveway into a tree. Volkswagen adjusted the shifter (which they adjusted incorrectly in the first place). The third time, (which is now) it's very difficult to get it in first gear.”
NHTSA complaint #710805, filed 1999-09“Transmission slips between second and third gear. This problem was first reported to gossett motor cars on 05/06/98, and has been a recurring problem ever since. Cruise control has functioned properly three times and failed numerous times. Gossett motor cars says there is not a problem..”
NHTSA complaint #744524, filed 2001-04“Erratic, delayed shifting betwen all gears. After 2nd diagnosis revealed problem, a resistor wire($8.50) was installed . Problem fixed, but at a cost of $128.00 to me.”
NHTSA complaint #742376, filed 2001-03“Persistent problems w/auto transmission. Several parts were previously replaced but problems continue. Sudden disappearance of 4th gear; stalling; straining, etc. Dealer contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #726505, filed 2000-08Related service bulletins
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238598Nov 29, 2013If a customer comments that the key cannot be removed from the ignition when the transmission is in PARK or that the PRND12 is not reading correctly in the MFI, DO NOT replace…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 25% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 7 | 13% |
| 2019 | 163 | 30% |
| 2018 | 5 | 16% |
| 2017 | 15 | 9% |
| 2016 | 22 | 14% |
| 2015 | 23 | 12% |
| 2014 | 74 | 19% |
| 2013 | 141 | 27% |
| 2012 | 46 | 9% |
| 2011 | 54 | 9% |
| 2010 | 111 | 13% |
| 2009 | 141 | 16% |
| 2008 | 53 | 28% |
| 2007 | 33 | 16% |
| 2006 | 245 | 42% |
| 2005 | 84 | 34% |
| 2004 | 35 | 15% |
| 2003 | 54 | 12% |
| 2002 | 103 | 15% |
| 2001 | 62 | 9% |
| 2000 | 37 | 8% |
| 1999 | 30 | 9% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 15% |
| 1996 | 2 | 6% |
| 1995 | 22 | 10% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 4 | 31% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
42 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsTires
19 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSuspension
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