Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
1998 Volkswagen Golf: common problems and reliability
· 4th generation19 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about electrical system. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 1998 Golf?The 1998 Volkswagen Golf has 19 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag electrical system failures (multiple warning lights, ccm failure, window regulators).
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Volkswagen Golf vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Golf?
Across the 27 Golf model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2008) to 317 (2015). With 19 complaints, the 1998 Golf sits below the model's median of 44.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Golf
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 03V155000CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
What owners report on the 4th generation Golf
Owners express strong affection for the 4th generation Golf, calling it a future classic and praising its timeless, clean design.
- Very frequentElectrical system failures (multiple warning lights, CCM failure, window regulators)
- RecurrentWindow regulators failing (windows go down and won't come back up)
- RecurrentCentral Control Module (CCM) failure (car becomes completely inoperable)
- IsolatedOil consumption (about 1 quart every 2,000 miles on some examples)
- IsolatedSteering creaking when turning right
Owner insights for the 4th generation Golf. Read the full 4th generation owner report.
Other Golf model years
Compare every Golf year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Golf against its rivals
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