Photo: Kieran White from Manchester, England / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
1998 Volkswagen Passat: common problems and reliability
376 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about service brakes. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Passat?The 1998 Volkswagen Passat has 376 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and suspension.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Volkswagen Passat vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Passat?
Across the 26 Passat model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2019) to 1,304 (2002). With 376 complaints, the 1998 Passat sits above the model's median of 244.
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 Passat
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 09E025000DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
Campaign 99V248000VEHICLE 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Campaign 02V026000ON 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 99V131001VEHICLE 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.
Show 1 more recall
engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Campaign 98V134000VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is highly polarized and varies significantly by generation, engine, and market.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Passat. See the full Passat owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Passat listings typically run $9,995–$16,052 across 2012 to 2022 model years.
Other Passat model years
Compare every Passat year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Passat against its rivals
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