The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta is a sedan from Germany. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 1998 Jetta VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Value calculator
Move the slider: the estimate applies the observed one-year depreciation rate for this model line (14.1%/year) to the value you enter. It updates instantly, right here.
Estimated value
$0
Buy window: across this model line, the yearly price drop visibly flattens around 5 years of age — the observed point where each extra year of ownership costs the least in depreciation.
Source: Craigslist U.S. used listings (2020-2021 snapshot) + Car Features & MSRP dataset. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and the snapshot was taken in 2020–2021 — pair the estimate with live listings for your area before pricing a car.
Overview
The Volkswagen Jetta is a sedan sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year.
Specifications at a glance
Basic build info
Model year
1998
Make
Volkswagen
Model
Jetta
Body
Sedan
Country of origin
Germany
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
U.S. used-market listings for the 1998 Jetta (Craigslist, 2020–2021 snapshot) cluster around a median asking price of $1,650 at roughly 145,000 miles, based on 2 listings. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and values have moved since the snapshot — pair with live listings for your area.
Used median price
$1,650
Median mileage
145,000
Sample: 2 listings
Median of real U.S. Craigslist asking prices for this model year; asking prices skew above negotiated sale prices. Snapshot taken 2020-2021.
NHTSA safety recalls — 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
3
open recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Repairs are free at any authorized Volkswagen dealer (within 10 years of first sale). See all recalls →
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign: 09E012000 · Filed: 07/04/2009
Defect description: 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.
Corrective action: 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 · Filed: 23/04/2003
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).
Consequence: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.
Corrective action: 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 · Filed: 25/01/2002
Defect description: 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.
Corrective action: 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.
Source: NHTSA Recalls API. Snapshot last checked: October 19, 2026. Recall status changes — verify by VIN for any vehicle you own or plan to buy.
Common problems to check on this generation
Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 1998 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Owner-reported problems — 1998 Jetta
204
owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Complaints are self-reported by owners and are separate from formal recalls.
Most-reported problem areas:
VISIBILITY — 36 reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — 26 reports
TIRES — 17 reports
EQUIPMENT — 12/30/2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE AND SUSTAINED A FLAT TIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE AND THE JACK BROKE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE JACK WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WOULD BE THE CONTACTS RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE IT. THE JACK WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 12/27/2009
I OWN A 1998 VW JETTA GL AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION TWICE NOW BECAUSE, I AM TOLD, VW INCREASED THE TORQUE ON JETTAS OF THIS YEAR BY ADDING A 5TH GEAR, WHICH RESULTS IN EXCESSIVE WEAR TO THE REVERSE GEAR AND RESULTS IN SEVERAL REVERSE GEAR TEETH CHIPPING, THUS RENDERING REVERSE INOPERABLE. AS I SAID BEFORE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION TWICE NOW DUE TO THE FAULTY REVERSE GEAR. *TR
STRUCTURE — 12/15/1998
ROOF RACK SEPARATES AT TIMES. IN FEBRUARY 98, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-55MPH WITH SNOW BOARDS TIED DOWN TO ROOF RACKS, WHEN THE RACKS DISCONECTED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE RACKS AND THE SNOW BOARDS, THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME, DEC. 13-98 SNOW BOARDS WERE ON THE ROOF OF VEHICLE AND FLEW OFF WHEN THE ROOF RACKS DISCONNECTED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP (503-656-2924, ALBERTO MECHANIC AND SERVICE MANAGER LARRY LINDSEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE RACKS WERE INSTALLED INCORECTLY, BUT
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
Related guides for 1998 Volkswagen Jetta owners & buyers
The 1998 Jetta is a Sedan. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.
Are there recalls on the 1998 Jetta?
Yes — 3 recalls on record. Repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Is the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
How long a used Volkswagen Jetta lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 1998 Jetta?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page:NHTSA vPIC (specifications),
NHTSA Recalls,
NHTSA NCAP (safety),
EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG),
NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Volkswagen or any government agency.
