1998 Volkswagen Passat Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 331 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the 331 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Beginning in june 2002, I began reporting to vw service centers issues with the suspension and drivetrain. Most of these issues were referenced by the NHTSA (see 99v248000). On january 25, 2005 I wrote to Volkswagen of america detailing the suspension and drivetrain issues, including referencing the NHTSA recall numbers and providing voa with copies of my service records. Voa subsequently responded by sending me a check for $692.13, which was ostensibly provided in connection with the letter I sent. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155582, filed 2006-04“At approx. 30,000 miles, right front wheel bearing began to intermitently emit a dry, droning, whining sound. Sound became louder and more regular over the next several months. At 37,000 miles, took vehicle to dealer for diagnosis. Was informed that the right front wheel bearing was worn out. Dealer refused to repair at their expense. I don't feel that a wheel bearing should fail after just 37,000 miles. The other three wheel bearings seem to be fine. It seems to me that if just one of four bearings fails, it is reasonable to assume that bearing is deffective. …”
NHTSA complaint #719268, filed 2000-02“While driving saw smoke coming out from under the hood. Pulled over, opened hood and saw vehicle was on fire. Vehicle suffered extensive damage. Also, throttle body and cv joints needed to be replaced. Vehicle stalles, misfired, and idle fluctuated from low to high.”
NHTSA complaint #10014539, filed 2003-04“Dealer state; water leak from firewall from drains in cowlpanel being clogged, shorting out transmission control module 1,200 in repairs owners responsible, but manual doesn't include in maintenence. Manufacturer defect of a denied claim.”
NHTSA complaint #739848, filed 2001-01“Consumer stated there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle, dealer replaced right side cv boot and outer cv boot due to them being worn, and also the drive shaft was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #567315, filed 2002-09Related service bulletins
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 15% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 3 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 37 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 4% |
| 2012 | 15 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 21% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 38 | 14% |
| 2003 | 35 | 6% |
| 2002 | 25 | 4% |
| 2001 | 34 | 8% |
| 2000 | 19 | 4% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 10 | 11% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
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 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 Nov 1, 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