1998 Volkswagen Jetta
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Visibility & Lighting
Visibility & Lighting leads by volume: 49 of 192 complaints (26%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (6) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 54 in 1997 to 192 in 1998.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | vs. 1998 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,350–3,300 | 2,400–3,300 | 2,400–3,300 | 2,350–3,300 | 2,350–3,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–38 | 19–37 | 19–37 | 19–38 | 19–38 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–34 / 23–44 | 16–33 / 23–44 | 16–33 / 23–44 | 16–35 / 23–44 | 17–35 / 24–44 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 268–468 | 275–468 | 275–468 | 268–468 | 268–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 31 | 54 | 192 | 349 | 439 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 3 | 11 | 33 | 27 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 14 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 2 | 10 | 29 | 35 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?
Visibility & Lighting: 49 of 192 NHTSA complaints (26%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA rates it 19–37 MPG combined across 5 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?
EPA estimates $2,400–$3,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 33 mpg (high) | 44 mpg (high) | 37 mpg (high) | $2,400 (low) | 275 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 41 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 11 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 31 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 11 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 49 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 03V156000 · Apr 24, 2003
Defect: 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).
Consequence: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP · Campaign 02V026000 · Jan 26, 2002
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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
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.