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NHTSA vehicle safety data

1998 Volkswagen Golf Recalls & Complaints

The 1998 Volkswagen Golf has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 17 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Volkswagen Golf. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1998 Volkswagen Golf owner complaints

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Volkswagen Golf, describing incidents dated June 1, 1998 to December 18, 2004.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 5 complaints
  • Power Train 4 complaints
  • Engine 3 complaints
  • Equipment 2 complaints
  • Exterior Lighting 2 complaints
  • Service Brakes 2 complaints

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10104658 · Filed

    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

  • ODI #10055852 · Filed

    THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THAN 40 MPH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

  • ODI #10050617 · Filed

    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…

Read all 17 complaints

VW/FMVSS 110/TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INCORRECT

NHTSA #03V155000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported April 22, 2003 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Potentially affected: 4,243 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign WN · Owners notified September 29, 2003 · Vehicles built July 1, 1997 – July 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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).

Safety consequence

UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALLY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT RISK FOR A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VW RECALL NO. WN.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Other Volkswagen Golf model years

Check your 1998 Volkswagen Golf VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Golf at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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