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1998 Volkswagen Passat recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

5 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Volkswagen been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.

1998 Volkswagen Passat recalls, newest first

May 11, 2009NHTSA 09E02500042,540 vehicles potentially affected

Exterior lighting › Headlights

  • Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed
Summary
Dope, Inc. Is recalling 42,540 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
Dope, Inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, Inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

January 25, 2002NHTSA 02V026000487,284 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

September 13, 1999NHTSA 99V24800051,900 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting

Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
Consequence
If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tie rods.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 21, 1999NHTSA 99V13100188,121 vehicles potentially affected

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
Consequence
This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
Remedy
Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

June 22, 1998NHTSA 98V13400019,800 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system

Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
Consequence
Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
Remedy
Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 331 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
12
Deaths reported
1

Most complained-about components

  1. Service brakes102
  2. Suspension › Front › Control arm29
  3. Hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip28
  4. Suspension › Front28
  5. Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly24

Other Volkswagen Passat years

Other 1998 Volkswagen models

Most recalled 1998 vehicles

  1. 1998 Honda Accord (19 recalls)
  2. 1998 Ford F-150 (18 recalls)
  3. 1998 Honda Civic (18 recalls)
  4. 1998 Dodge Ram (17 recalls)
  5. 1998 Blue Bird TC2000 (17 recalls)
All of 1998’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
5 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: exterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline, steering, service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine cooling. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1998 Volkswagen Passat recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Volkswagen dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
331 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.