1998 Volkswagen Passat: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat: 4 recalls, 331 owner complaints and up to 37 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V134000 · 1998 · 19,800 vehicles
What's wrong: If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
Why it matters: Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
The fix: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V131001 · 1999 · 88,121 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
The fix: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Steering Vehicle recall #99V248000 · 1999 · 51,900 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V026000 · 2002 · 487,284 vehicles
What's wrong: On 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began June 13, 2003.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (90): the most common themes are noise or vibration (38), steering problems (10).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (70): the most common themes are warning light on (15), noise or vibration (6).
- Steering (52): the most common themes are steering problems (26), noise or vibration (15), leaks (7).
- Engine & cooling (39): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (4).
The 1998 Volkswagen Passat has 331 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 33 Passat model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 238). Complaints peaked in 2004 (50 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (70 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (664 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 45 | 37 | Diesel |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 39 | 31 | Diesel |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 24 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners have filed 331 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (90), brakes (hydraulic) (70), steering (52).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA ratings run up to 37 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Volkswagen Passat repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.