While driving headlights were dim. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer. Consumer found there were alot of complaints regarding the headlights. Consumer had to replace the bulb with higher waltage. There was also a problem with the passat. However, the problem was electrical.
1998 Volkswagen Jetta: headlights failing or too dim
8 of the 192 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
When turning the ignition on electrical components do not work. The headlights don't come, and heater doesn't work. Consumer believes it is an electrical problem. *ak
The e brake light, and the airbag light stay on once the car is started. Today this problem has included the heater fan not working, the headlights will not come on, and the wipers will not work. If I leave the light switch on, and leave the wiper switch on, I have found I can pull the high beam switch, and the wipers come on.
Ignition switch. I have a faulty ignition switch. With the car running, there have been occasions when my headlights have turned off, and the brake light came on. I have seen approximately 5 postings on different message boards with the same problem.
The vehicles ignition switch failed and caused the headlight to shut off while driving on a dark country road. The dealer was notified.
The headlights failed, which caused limited visibility.
While driving over a bump and key moved all head lights turned off because of electrical wires shorting out through ignition system. Manufacturer had been contacted, and they said just to move key and head lights will come back on.
Headlights turn off at will. It shows on dashboard that headlights are on, but there are no headlights on after driving a mile.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses
- Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light...
- Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation):
- Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- VW Elsa Newsletter
- Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights,...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?
8 of 192 owner complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta (4%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?
There are 0 recalls and 8 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
Power windows 12Wipers 9Check engine light 7Airbag light 6Fire or smoke 6Stalling 6Tire blowout 6
VIN decoder
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