1998 Volkswagen Jetta body problems

14 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.

owner complaints: 14
of this car's complaints: 7%
crashes: 1
recalls: 0

Which part fails

Body: door
5
Body
3
Frame and members
2
Frame and members: underbody shields
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Volkswagen Jetta body problems in other years

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Volkswagen Jetta owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 14, 2012 · Body, Electrical · CO

I have been trapped inside the front seat of this vehicle. Both front doors will occasionally not open from inside or outside the car, even with the doors unlocked. This is an intermittent and unpredictable problem that I feel is quite dangerous. These vehicles should have been recalled and had the door locking mechanism replaced.

Filed Feb 20, 2011 · Body, Fuel system · MI

Totally rusted out area around gas intake pipe. Volkswagen jetta 1998.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Tires · 18,000 miles · PA

This car has been a pain in the a-- almost since purchase. The most serious problems have involved what seems to be defective wiring with respect to the electric windows. These have been repaired 3 times since the first incidence cited above,to the tune of $250, the last time being 6 months ago. Now I am told that it needs a new motor assembly to the tune of $650 parts and labor! Other assorted door electrical problems. Other problems have been: door moldings falling off (this must be an inherent problem with '98 jettas, because I've noticed that most of those that I see on the road have missing moldings). Both front tires blew out within 2 weeks of each other after an inappropiately short usage. Much lower gas mileage that originally promised. Most of these problems started well within warranty.

Filed Apr 22, 2003 · Body · VA

Door molding has fallen off.

Filed Jun 20, 2002 · Body · MA

Front right side door molding fell off at 30000 and again at 36000. The other three are in the process of falling off or have fallen off of the other doors. Car has 60000, and the dealer says it is a problem but corporate volkswagen does not.

Filed Feb 14, 2002 · Body · VT

Three outside door handles were replaced between 40,000 - 70,000 miles. At 80,000 miles, the outside door handle had to be replaced on the passenger's side. Dealer not notified at this time. *ak

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Body · AZ

Body trim has fallen off of left side doors. I think the problem may be heat related, and exaserbated by the car being black. However , I keep the car in my garage.

Filed Jul 27, 2001 · Body · CO

Electrical harness in the left rear door that controls the power window was cut by the door closing. This caused a short in the electrical system and failure of the power window control.

Filed Jan 4, 2000 · Body, Electrical · NJ

Vehicle serviced several times due to engine light illuminating, replacement of the oil and ignition cable that had shorted out did not rectify problems with the intermittent engine light coming on.

Filed Dec 7, 1999 · Body · IL · crash

Vehicle was involved in a collision and the part on the left side rail that was needed the manufacturer did not manufacture.

Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta body

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have body problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the body of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Volkswagen Jetta body problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have the most body problems?

The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most body complaints are 2001 (43 complaints), 1999 (25 complaints) and 2006 (23 complaints).