1998 Volkswagen Golf Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1998 Volkswagen Golf recalls

Most common 1998 Volkswagen Golf problems

Problem areas named in the 18 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	6
Electrical System	5
Power Train	4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2
Exterior Lighting	2
Visibility	2
Equipment	2
Seats	1
Tires	1
Air Bags	1

What owners report

2004-12-28, Electrical System
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

2004-01-26, Power Train
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

2003-12-16, Electrical System
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

2003-01-16, Electrical System
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE CAUSES SWITCHED DEVICES TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE DEVICES I HAVE PERSONALLY IDENTIFIED THAT LOOSE POWER ARE: HEADLIGHTS, DRL, ABS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR FAN, FOG LIGHTS. WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION, IT IS POSIBLE TO ROTATE IT SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT AND TURN THE ABOVE MENTIONED DEVICES OFF WHILE THE CAR CONTINUES TO RUN. THIS CAN EASILY HAPPEN (AND DOES HAPPEN) WHILE DRIVING. SEARCHING YOUR DATABASE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS AND OTHER SIMILAR MODELS WHICH PROBABLY USE THE SAME IGNITION SWITCH REVEALS 15 SWITCH FAILURES (865957, 897162, 876280, 899086, 608861, 609016, 758101, 888070, 8014837, 733016, 607392, 8021547, 869601, 750653, 743

2002-07-02, Vehicle Speed Control
THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWICE DUE TO A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *YH

1998 Volkswagen Golf questions

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 Volkswagen Golf: Equipment:Other:Labels. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (6), Electrical System (5), Power Train (4).

How do I check if a recall on my 1998 Volkswagen Golf has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.