RoadVitals

1998 Volkswagen Passat

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
331
Latest Oct 13, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
6
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
12 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 331 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, most frequently naming the brakes, suspension and steering categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 116 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
02V026000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Jan 25, 2002
487,284 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The 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 ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCManufacturer number WKView on NHTSA.gov
99V248000

STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING

Sep 13, 1999
51,900 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE 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.
The risk: 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 remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCManufacturer number UL/KWView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA04017ClosedEngineering Analysis

STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE

Opened Jun 30, 2004
Closed Feb 10, 2005

VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EXPERIENCE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS FOR THE AUDI A4 OR VW PASSAT VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMLed to recall 04V495000
EA03020ClosedEngineering Analysis

PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILURE

Opened Oct 7, 2003
Closed Apr 23, 2004

THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PE03021ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

PASSENGER SIR DOOR MOUNTING STUD FAILURE

Opened May 23, 2003
Closed Oct 7, 2003

ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS.VW IMPLEMENTED A PROCESS CHANGE ON MARCH 1, 2002.THIS PROCESS CHANGE CONSISTED OF CHANGING THE BOLT APPLICATION THAT FASTENS THE PSIR DOOR TO THE IP FROM A WELD ON APPLICATION TO A PRESS ON APPLICATION.VW ALSO CHANGED THE MATERIAL OF THE BOLT.VW STATED THAT THE CHANGES WERE MADE TO EASE PRODUCTION BY ELIMINATING A WELDING PROCESS.ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-020).

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
EA00028ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL TANK PUNCTURE

Opened Dec 28, 2000
Closed Jan 29, 2002
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGESLed to recall 02V026000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 331
Driver assistanceEngineSteering
Filed Oct 13, 2017

THE TIMING CHAIN SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY KNOW IT. WHY DIDN'T THEY INFORM ME OF THIS.MAYBE BECAUSE THEY HAVE HANDS FULL WITH THE EMISSION CHEATING SCANDAL. OR IF THEY DID THEM THEY WOULD BE LIABLE FOR ALL THE COMPLAINTS BEFORE. PLEASE PUTVOUTCA RECALL. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS !!!!!

NHTSA ID
11033311
Incident
Oct 4, 2017
Mileage
105,090 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 1, 2017

DRIVING BACK HOME FROM STORE AND CAR JUST DIED OUT THAN SMELT LIKE GAS.

NHTSA ID
11030747
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
Mileage
12,800 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 22, 2014

CABIN SMELLS LIKE FUMES FOR STARTERS AN GAS GAUGE IS OFF CAR SAYS IT HAS QUARTER OF A TANK AN THAN I RUN OUT OF GAS ALMOST HAD A ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ! ALSO CAR HAS TONS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IF IT SITS FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS BATTERY DIES BUT MY MAIN CONCERN IS MY FUEL GAUGE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10615211
Incident
Jul 10, 2014
Mileage
223,434 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 3, 2011

ABS MODULE APPEARS TO BE FAULTY. ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT REMAIN ON/FLASHING. LOSS OF ABS COULD CAUSE COLLISION, DEALER WANTS $1000+ FOR THE PART AND DOES NOT GUARANTEE IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10373962
Incident
Oct 1, 2010
Mileage
110,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 14, 2010
Fire reported

FIRE IN RUBBER BOOT HOUSING BETWEEN LEFT REAR DOOR AND CAR FRAME. PRECEDING EVENTS, LEFT REAR DOOR SPEAKER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING, LEFT REAR WINDOW FUNCTIONED SOMETIMES. DOOR WAS CLOSED AFTER RETURNING HOME AND PARKING GARAGE. ARCING WAS HEARD AND SMOKE CAME FROM DOOR. OWNER REMOVED MANY FUSES FROM DRIVERS SIDE FUSE PANEL AND THEN REMOVED CONNECTIONS TO MAIN BATTERY. DOOR PANEL COVER WAS REMOVED AND BOOT REMOVED TO FIND HOUSING ON 5 OF THE 8 WIRES BURNT AND MOST OF THE WIRE BURNT THROUGH THE WIRE. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10355489
Incident
Sep 13, 2010
Mileage
81,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jan 14, 2009

THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON,FOLLOWED BY THE BRAKE LIGHT BLINKING THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE TACHOMETER GOES TO 0 AND STOPS WORKING EVEN THOUGH I AM ACCELERATING. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE IT CAN BE RESEARCHED ON HTTP://TECH.BENTLEYPUBLISHERS.COM/THREAD.JSPA?THREADID=2447&TSTART=0. *TR

NHTSA ID
10255101
Incident
Dec 9, 2008
Mileage
68,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 14, 2009

THE ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES, THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE TACHOMETER GOES TO 0 AND STOPS WORKING EVEN THOUGH I AM ACCELERATING. THE CONTROL MODULE WAS THE CULPRIT AND IT WOULD COST $1450.00 AND THERE WAS NO USED PART AVAILABLE AND IT IS A DEALER ONLY PART. *TR

NHTSA ID
10255095
Incident
Dec 7, 2008
Mileage
68,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 23, 2008

ABS MODULE FAILURE. WAS DRIVING SHORTLY AFTER HAVING FRONT END WORK DONE AND LIGHT WHEN ON. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. BRAKING IS AFFECTED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10246538
Incident
Aug 1, 2008
Mileage
115,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V171901201285565

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

V171901201285562

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V171901201285560

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V941901201152119

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

V271901201189422

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

V871806201994714

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Passat by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000—
2024000—
2023000—
2022110043.3
2021181050.0
2020153052.1
2019121030.5
2018454060.4
20171097057.0
20161065053.0
20152437053.4
201459310359.4
20137489360.1
201248311360.1
2011160253.8
20101634354.9
20091464157.8
20081684047.4
20072627152.9
20065767153.3
20051484361.4
20042794362.2
20036347667.2
20026364963.1
20014304760.2
20005075762.0
19996646858.6
1998Viewing3315658.1
1997701245.7
19961421448.2
1995931246.2
1994251243.2
1993683364.3
1992391042.3
1991241037.0
1990342050.1
1989010—
1988010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.