1998 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 90about this part
- Share
- 27%of 331 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,625miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 90 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 27% of the 331 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,625 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1998 vw Passat that has had it ABS system go out. From what I understand this is a common occurrence with this car. The only problem is when the ABS module goes on the car it has a hard time modulating the brakes correctly causing a dangerous situation. I will have to either buy a new unit or send it out and have it repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10148421, filed 2006-01, 99,500 miles“The ABS module in my 1998 Volkswagen Passat 1.8t has gone bad. This fault came without notice of any symptoms and completely unprovoked. The warning lamp and tone appear every time I start the vehicle. This is a known issue with many independent Volkswagen mechanics and many Passat owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10244177, filed 2008-10, 175,000 miles“My 1998 vw Passat has 57,000 miles on it and a problem with the ABS control unit. The ABS light stays on steadily and the brake light flashes with an audible four-chime tone. The vw dealer tested and confirmed that I need a new ABS control module. The cost of parts and labor is $1900. . Vw of america declined to help with this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10060019, filed 2004-02, 52,000 miles“The car is a 1998 vw Passat 1.8. The car has 61,000 miles. Abs/ brake light including the warning chimes turns on intermittently. The alarm turns off after a few minutes and then goes again. My mechanic tested and confirmed that the ABS control module is faulty. Repair cost is estimated at $1,800. No other car I have owned with ABS has ever had this kind of failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10049528, filed 2003-12, 60,700 miles“98 Passat, ABS pump is not working anymore at 106000 miles. I wanted to replace the part but the dealer told me I have to pay $1200.00 just for the part. Is vw USA considering a recall because in my opinion a $1200.00 part should not fail to work so fast.”
NHTSA complaint #10145152, filed 2005-12, 106,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V131001May 21, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A4 1997–1999, A6 1998–1999
Related service bulletins
- 10238568Sep 12, 2014For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel…
- 10238620Dec 16, 2012To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from the tables below. Note that the first table is only applicable to 2.8L…
- 10157760Nov 16, 2012Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables): This document informs To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding…
- 10156161Nov 16, 2012Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables): This document informs To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding…
- 10070773Nov 16, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10051242Nov 16, 2012Volkswagen: update to information. Providing correct coding values for abs control modules on certain vehicles without can-bus. Models 1998-2002 passat.
- 10016037Jul 14, 2005Anti-lock brake system (abs) control module warranty repair process.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 25% |
| 2018 | 13 | 28% |
| 2017 | 17 | 15% |
| 2016 | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 | 28 | 12% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 12 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 16 | 6% |
| 2006 | 49 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 72 | 11% |
| 2001 | 63 | 15% |
| 2000 | 207 | 41% |
| 1999 | 233 | 35% |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 15% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
90 complaintsSteering
52 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
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