1998 Volkswagen Passat Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 02V026000Jan 25, 2002487,284 vehicles potentially affected
  Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
  Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–2003, Jetta 1997–1999, Cabrio 1998

  Reported issue: On 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 disintegrates.

  Possible consequence: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began june 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles…

  Full campaign details →

• 99V248000Sep 13, 199951,900 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
  Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A4 1998–1999, A6 1998–1999 +1 more

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

  Possible consequence: If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.

  Full campaign details →

• 99V131001May 21, 199988,121 vehicles potentially affected
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A4 1997–1999, A6 1998–1999

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.

  Possible consequence: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.

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• 98V134000Jun 22, 199819,800 vehicles potentially affected
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
  Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1998, Audi A4 1998, A6 1998

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.

  Possible consequence: Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• EA03020Passenger air bag lid failureClosed · Oct 7, 2003
• PE03021Passenger sir door mounting stud failureClosed · May 23, 2003

← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat