Model year guide

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints32
Combined29 mpg
Typical price$1,312

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

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #03V265000 · 25/07/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

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 New Beetle common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 32 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.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle MPG & running costs

Combined29 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,525

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

What's a 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle worth?

Low
$650
Typical price
$1,312
High
$2,800

From 13 comparable 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,625
Fuel only$12,625
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 New Beetle trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle vehicles on record

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C5WM027860 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C0WM005393 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C5WM046828 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C7WM014978 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61CXWM036070 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C7WM019002 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C7WM020859 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C7WM004094 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C2WM021627 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C9WM049425 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C0WM003899 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C7WM040836 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Base3VWBB61C9WM030146 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle3VWBB61C5WM012601

Other Volkswagen New Beetle model years

2013 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 New Beetle?

Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, exterior lighting, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle at about 29 mpg combined (26 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle worth?

Comparable 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle listings run roughly $650–$2,800, typically around $1,312 (from 13 vehicles).

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