Model year guide

1998 Volkswagen Jetta

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 16 on record.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Volkswagen Jetta at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints204
Combined28 mpg
Typical price$767

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta recalls 3

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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 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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #03V156000 · 23/04/2003

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 INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).

Fix: 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 DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHO…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap NHTSA Campaign #02V026000 · 25/01/2002

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.

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. OWNERS W…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta MPG & running costs

Combined28 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$767
High
$1,400

From 9 comparable 1998 Volkswagen Jetta listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Fuel only$12,500
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta trims & engines on record

Trims
GL · GLX VR6 · Wolfsburg · GT
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp · 2.8L 6-cyl 172 hp

1998 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles on record

Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

1998 Volkswagen Jetta — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, electrical system, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta at about 28 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta worth?

Comparable 1998 Volkswagen Jetta listings run roughly $500–$1,400, typically around $767 (from 9 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.