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 PER YEAR
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 | 41 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 73 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 129 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 115 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 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.
4 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20030116
3 of 18 total reports mention: power train.
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. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20040126
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981030
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS; INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ON REGULAR ROAD CONDITIONS, BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD AND THERE WAS NO BRAKING ABILITY. DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990402
2 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: wheels.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 I
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 D
Campaign 03V155000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V155000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:ignition:switch, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Golf have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.