1998 Volkswagen Golf
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 74 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 131 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
5 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical defect: when turning ignition on and engine running, I experience a total loss of headlights, a/c fan motor, defroster, drl, fog lamps, rear-window defogger, and heater.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-16
Ignition switch failure causes switched devices to loose power while driving. The devices I have personally identified that loose power are: headlights, drl, ABS, windshield wipers, interior fan, fog lights.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-16
Power train
4 of 18 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle's transmission would not shift from 2ND to 3RD gear. As a result the vehicle could not be driven more than 40 MPH. Please provide any additional information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-26
When pulling out the rpms reached up to 40,000 before transmission was shifted to the next gear and this is an automatic transmission. Dealer has been contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-30
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Service brakes
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Visibility
2 of 18 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2003-09-29Equipment03V155000 Certain 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…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with corrected labels, or a dealer can install the label if the owner wishes. Owner notification began September 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized…
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V155000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volkswagen Golf?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Golf have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.