Is the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?

The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta

● Typical for this model

1998 Volkswagen Jetta
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:34.882Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 192
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Visibility

Complaints per year

1998: 192 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	0
1983	0
1984	1
1985	13
1986	14
1987	18
1988	19
1989	28
1990	22
1991	32
1992	30
1993	17
1994	120
1995	220
1996	173
1997	141
1998	192
1999	349
2000	439
2001	668
2002	702
2003	456
2004	231
2005	248
2006	580
2007	201
2008	188
2009	889
2010	852
2011	607
2012	500
2013	518
2014	387
2015	194
2016	161
2017	160
2018	32
2019	552
2020	54
2021	71
2022	43
2023	43
2024	46
2025	31
2026	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

23% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

Electrical system

22% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I own a 1998 volkswagon Jetta, wolfsburg edition. I've been stranded a total of 6 or 7 times (Losing count) on the interstate by this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-05

The vehicles' anti theft had went haywire. Went to start, beep sound went off. Then was locked inside car. With the alarm going off. Was only able to exit vehicle by having passerby unhook battery, while I held the unlock button.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-15

I have been trapped inside the front seat of this vehicle. Both front doors will occasionally not open from inside or outside the car, even with the doors unlocked. This is an intermittent and unpredictable problem that I feel is quite dangerous.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-14

Also filed under Structure

Tires

10% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tire had a sidewall seperation on the highway resulting in accident; this has happened now twice, on the stock tires, first time I thought it was just bad luck, however two times seems to be fishy. The tires have plenty of tread left.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-13

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and gasoline.

Power train

8% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2000-08-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-12-28 Fuel tank puncture
I
2000-12-28Engineering analysisClosed 2002-01-29 Fuel tank puncture
R

2003-06-13Fuel system, gasoline02V026000 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.

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2003-09-29Equipment03V156000 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility: 44 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 42 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 02V026000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 03V156000 · Equipment
Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?: The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.