1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,806miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the wheels of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 3% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,806 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 locking lug nuts end pieces on my 98 Jetta broke off on routine tire rotations. The dealer was initially unable to remove the lugnuts until he removed the whole wheel assy and welded tools onto the lugnuts. I have the welded-on tools with the lugnuts - total cost was 600.00. If this happened while travelling I would have been in trouble to just change a tire. Why was there no recall? The dealers in germany said they recalled the german models because of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10055130, filed 2004-01“The contact owns a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 25 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated and the passenger side rear wheel disengaged. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the wheel bearing separated. They replaced the wheel bearings, spindles, speed sensor, ring, and drum. Approximately two years later, while driving 55-60 MPH, the passenger side rear wheel disengaged. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer stated that the wheel bearings failed. As of august 21, 2007, the failure has not been repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10200262, filed 2007-08, 101,612 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“Orleans model wheels have failed twice. Wheels appear to be soft and easily deformed. Wheels crack after bending which results in a flat tire. Volkswagen has taken the orleans wheel off of the parts list so that replacement wheels are not available. Local parts clerk has advised that a high failure rate and replacement activity were occurring prior to the vw germany decision to no longer supply the wheels. The wheels were optional on the 97 passat and the 98 Jetta and golf. …”
NHTSA complaint #732742, filed 2000-09“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 2003-09Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 2% |
| 2015 | 8 | 4% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 10 | 2% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 5 | 3% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 6% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
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 30, 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