1998 Volkswagen Passat Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 331 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the seats of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 3% of the 331 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 miles.
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.
“While starting off from a standstill, I heard a popping sound and I flew backwards in my seat. Apparently the seat frame mechanism for my drivers seat failed. The metal of the frame, as it was designed and manufactured, failed from metal fatigue. When it did, there was nothing holding the front of the seat to the floor board. I flew into the back seat, my hands were ripped from the wheel, and I could no longer reach the pedals. I struggled to maneuver myself back into a position where I could regain control of my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173914, filed 2006-11, 91,000 miles“Driver's seat rocks and moves while car is moving. Manufacturing company says that there is nothing wrong with this and that its normal . This is not normal and its dangerous. It becomes very easy to lose control of the car while it is moving! The ntsb board has a number of similar complaints by other drivers, so I am not the only one. This needs the company's immediate attention and correction. It shouldn't do this for any reason.”
NHTSA complaint #753033, filed 2001-10“The right front seats would rock whenever vehicle is turning corners or curbs. This also happens when coming to or leaving a stop sign or light. Contacted manufacturer & nothing could be or would be done. Sun roof would open & close on its own. Would have no warning. The rear window looked like it had acid rain on it when bought. Been to dealer & mechanic removed seat & replaced it. No problem found. Checking on other problems.”
NHTSA complaint #852110, filed 1999-10“The seat broke from the base. The consumer had lost complete control of the vehicle. The consumer requested reimbursement for all of the monies spent on repairs/other charges for the incident. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10009880, filed 2003-03Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3 | 0% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 34 | 12% |
| 2003 | 97 | 15% |
| 2002 | 15 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 10 | 2% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 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 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 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