1998 Volkswagen Passat Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 8%of 331 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 8% of the 331 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had the sunroof of my 1998 Passat spontaneously shatter. I was driving 60-65 MPH when this happen. The weather was overcast with light rain. The temperature was 37 f. The glass appears to be blown outward. Luckily I had the sunroof shade closed which prevented me from being showered with glass.”
NHTSA complaint #10139231, filed 2005-10, 92,621 miles“Sunroof spontaneously opens and closes without warning. When it opens, it is impossible to get it closed with the switch as it never returns to a predictable position based on the markings on the switch. Once open, it may close itself at randomly and unpredictably. When it is open, I'm afraid to get my hand near it for fear it will close and pinch me. It has also spontaneously opened during rainstorms which causes me to divert my attention to the road attempting to close it. The rain entering my car while it happens is also a major distraction. This problem is not unique to just my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10204329, filed 2007-09, 80,000 miles“Water leaks into drivers side floor, relay failure and resultant defroster failure. Mildew, respiratory distress, uncontrolable sneezing, and resultant difficulty with vehicle control. Entire carpet replacement. Cost over $1000 with labor.”
NHTSA complaint #10102586, filed 2004-12, 75,000 miles“The A/C ventilation system is defectively designed such that it promotes the growth of bacteria which causes an awful odor when turned on. I would guess that it aerosolizes the bacteri and or fungi and sprays them at high speed through the ventilating system outlets. I do not know but wonder what potential health risk this poses to children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people or others with chronic respiratory illness such as asthma and copd. …”
NHTSA complaint #746129, filed 2001-05“I read on 3/19/99 some reviews by owners of passats on the internet (while I was searching for comments by owners of the honda odessey min-van). Unfortunately I cannot find the website again. However, while there, two people had asked questions relating to windshield cracking during a test drive by a well known magazine (I think it was car & driver) for the audi a4, basically the same car as the Passat. The question was had anyone experienced such cracking. I was shocked on 3/20/99 to get into the car and see the 10-inch crack which was not there the day before. …”
NHTSA complaint #704762, filed 1999-03Related service bulletins
- 10123011Jul 22, 2015Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. To avoid unnecessary…
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10122911Apr 20, 2015Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the…
- 10242998Dec 22, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239541Sep 24, 2014Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239789Jan 24, 2014To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine…
- 10122240Jan 24, 2014Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 23 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 13 | 5% |
| 2003 | 22 | 4% |
| 2002 | 27 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 7% |
| 2000 | 26 | 5% |
| 1999 | 33 | 5% |
| 1998 | 27 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 43% |
| 1996 | 12 | 30% |
| 1995 | 20 | 22% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
| 1993 | 17 | 25% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
90 complaintsSuspension
90 complaintsSteering
52 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsElectrical system
28 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