Tread or ply separation on all four original tires. (dot number: 457 (1997) tiresize: 215/70r15c)
The worst 1998 Rialta Rialta problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Tires3
- Body1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Tires3
- Body1
- Suspension1
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- On certain motorhomes built on volkswagen eurovan chassis, the engine cooling fans could fracture and break apart.
- Risk
- If the fan fractures or breaks this could increase the risk of personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine cooling fans using a cradle assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin during march or april 2004. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987 or winnebago at 641‑585‑3535.
Recall number 04V107000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motor homes equipped with continental general tires. Certain tires, when installed on these motor homes, can experience premature tire deterioration.
- Risk
- This condition can cause the tire to deflate and personal injury and/or property damage can result.
- Remedy
- Dealers, in conjunction with continental general tire, will remove and replace these tires with new tires and new valve stems. The front tires and spare tire will be the same size as the existing tires. The rear tires will be size 215/70r15c and have a higher load rating.
Recall number 98V081000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1998 Rialta Rialta
Defect investigations
Engine cooling fan blade failure
The subject vehicles are equipped with two electronic cooling fans located in the engine compartment immediately behind the engine radiator.the rialta motorhome is built on a vw eurovan incomplete chassis and shares the same engine and engine cooling fans as the eurovan.data indicates that the cooling fan blades fail predominately on rialta vehicles in model years (my) 1998 through 2000.these vehicles account for 77 percent of the warranty, field and consumer reports for all my 1996-2003 rialta vehicles.although the eurovan has the same cooling fans as the rialta, it accounts for only 17 percent of the total eurovan and rialta reports.in its february 11, 2004 defect report, vw stated, the affected winnebago rialta vehicles differ from volkswagen eurovan vehicles that use the same component due to a substantially increased duty cycle of the cooling fan and service methods that may affect the cooling fan.rialta vehicles are larger and approximately 1,700 pounds heavier than eurovan vehicles, and therefore the cooling fan can see increased duty cycles in severe operating conditions such as driving in high ambient temperatures or in steep mountainous areas.accordingly, vw will conduct a safety recall on the 1998-2000 rialta population to replace the cooling fans.the cooling fans in my 1996 and 1997 are a different design with a smaller fan motor and blade.in model year 2001 the engine size was increased from 140 hp to 204 hp in both vehicles.the larger engine reduces the duty cycle of the cooling fan in severe operating conditions.vw will also send to owners a warning label to affix to all rialta and eurovan vehicles.the label advises technicians to be careful not to apply force on the cooling fans while servicing these vehicles.vw will recall 2,563 my 1998-2000 rialta vehicles.odi is aware of a total of 138 warranty, field and consumer reports for these vehicles.the recall is identified by the federal safety agency number 04v‑107.
EA03013
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Rialta Rialta 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1998 Rialta Rialta owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Original tires recalled and replaced at 5300 miles. Belt separation on both replacement rear tires after 16,000 miles. Winnebago notified july and oct 1998 of our concerns with replacement tires. We suggested engineering problem with vehicle. They responded that we needed to have wheels aligned. Continental has replaced the contrans tires with their vanco tires. We are concerned that others are still driving with the dangerous contrans tires. Winnebago seems totally unconcerned about this safety matter. The belt separation on out tires was discovered by accident while having our vehicle serviced on an extented trip. The mechanics and tire service reps all agreed that we are lucky we did not have a serious or fatal accident. Please check into this matter before someone else has that accident. (dot number: lm8x 4574 tiresize: 215/70r15c)
Vehicle had recall repair which included replacement of the tires, however after replacement one of the rear tires blew out prematurely. (98v‑081)
Right axle flange, seals, center axle and axle support. Right front bumper loose--replaced.
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Questions about the 1998 Rialta Rialta
Is the 1998 Rialta Rialta reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1998 Rialta Rialta, 1.3 times a typical Rialta model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Rialta Rialta?
Tires, with 3 complaints. Next is body (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Rialta Rialta have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and tires.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Rialta Rialta tires?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V081000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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