1998 Volkswagen Passat Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 331 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,117miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the 331 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,117 miles. 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.
“Cabin smells like fumes for starters an gas gauge is off car says it has quarter of a tank an than I run out of gas almost had a accident because of this ! Also car has tons of electrical problems if it sits for more than three days battery dies but my main concern is my fuel gauge.”
NHTSA complaint #10615211, filed 2014-07, 223,434 miles“Problems getting recall repair performed on 1998 Volkswagen Passat. Customer care informed the consumer the recall campaign could not be performed outside the united states because parts and repair technicians were not obtainable by any dealerships outside the u.s.”
NHTSA complaint #10079877, filed 2004-06“Fuel gauge did not register the correct amount of fuel. This could cause the vehicle to run out of fuel. Fuel sending unit was replaced in april of 99 because of this problem. Volkswagen refused to address the current situation. The cause could be a loose wire according to the owner.”
NHTSA complaint #870899, filed 2000-09“' recall campaign' issued to install protective shield in right rear wheel housing. The consumer received the recall notice however, there were no authorized dealers in the area.”
NHTSA complaint #10113635, filed 2005-02“Fuel guage intermittently displays incorrect levels. For instance, will only show 3/4 full after fillup. Also, will sporaticly jump between 1/4 full and full on occasion. Dealer states unable to duplicate. Have almost runout of gas on 4 occasions due to problem. Have talked to other Passat owners, and many report same or similar problems. Concerened about running out of fuel and being stranded or, more seriously, fire hazard. Problem first started to occur around 45k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #758391, filed 2002-02Related recalls
- 02V026000Jan 25, 2002On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–2003, Jetta 1997–1999, Cabrio 1998
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…
- 10238572May 9, 2014Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10157623Oct 5, 2012Tech Tips (Fuel Gauge Inoperative after Instrument Cluster Replacement with Fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-?): An inoperative fuel gauge after instrument cluster replacement…
- 10156050Oct 5, 2012Tech Tips (Fuel Gauge Inoperative after Instrument Cluster Replacement with Fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-?): An inoperative fuel gauge after instrument cluster replacement…
- 10073867Oct 5, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 6 | 13% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 18 | 17% |
| 2015 | 23 | 9% |
| 2014 | 50 | 8% |
| 2013 | 88 | 12% |
| 2012 | 46 | 10% |
| 2011 | 3 | 19% |
| 2010 | 33 | 20% |
| 2009 | 53 | 36% |
| 2008 | 63 | 38% |
| 2007 | 42 | 16% |
| 2006 | 64 | 11% |
| 2005 | 23 | 16% |
| 2004 | 57 | 20% |
| 2003 | 169 | 27% |
| 2002 | 73 | 11% |
| 2001 | 44 | 10% |
| 2000 | 46 | 9% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 8 | 21% |
| 1991 | 5 | 21% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
90 complaintsSuspension
90 complaintsSteering
52 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 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