1998 Volkswagen Golf: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2003

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Golf years (#22 of 26 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 18 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)3 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints

Wheels (wheels, lug nuts, bearings)1 complaint

Equipment1 complaint

Tires1 complaint

“Headlights and ac intermittently went off completely and parking brake light didn't go away on dashboard; mechanic determined a faulty ignition switch was the cause. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2004

“Electrical defect: when turning ignition on and engine running, I experience a total loss of headlights, a/c fan motor, defroster, drl, fog lamps, rear-window defogger, and heater. (all other electrical systems continue functioning.) sometimes the problem is intermittent where everything functions; most of the time none of these units function electrically. Additional note: the "brake" lamp glows on in the dash when this electrical problem occurs. (emergency brake is not engaged.) cannot drive at night. Volkswagon will not pay for repair.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2003

“Failure of breather valve and mass air flow sensor, repaired by private mechanic that got a kit to replace poorly designed unit wich has a dealer buy back # 0444294 , volkswagen said there was no such kit to their knowledge and no recall I have had many problems with this car and have recieved no aid from volkswagen”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2001

Show 7 more owner reports

“Light on her dashboard came on for frontal air bags. Dealership informed consumer that frontal air bag (driver and passenger) unit had to be replaced - reason unknown. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2001

“Sometimes when turning on air conditioner it does not come on, and sometimes windshield wipers do not work. Took to dealer, and they said it was binding. Lock cylinder needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2000

“Transmission has locked into 3rd gear with out warning. This has caused a lack performance. Almost caused an accident due to the car not acelerating as expected.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2000

“The "volkswagen certified" dealership was absolutely horrible. All the listed problems I brought it back to them repeatedly, and it would normally take 3-5 visits for the item to get fixed. I didn't even get to list all the problems with the speaker panel, clutch, and fenders getting flexed. I will never own another volkswagen, or go to the dealership ever again. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 1999

“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. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1999

“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”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 1998

“The consumer has been experiencing problems with head restraints. Head rest drops down with a heavy impact. The manufacturer has been contacted. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Oct 1998

Recalls - 1 campaign

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS03V155000 · Apr 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).

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 DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

How other years compare

199636 complaints · 1 recalls 1998 (this page)18 complaints · 1 recalls 199964 complaints · 7 recalls 200088 complaints · 8 recalls

Check your exact Golf by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Golf reliable?

NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Volkswagen Golf. The most complained-about area is electrical system.

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Golf have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.