1998 Volkswagen Beetle engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 32 complaints for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 11% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 32 11% of this year's complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 8
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
What the data shows
These complaints mention 2 crashes, 8 fires.
What owners wrote
Vehicle has high oil consumption, radio/cassette failure which resulted in fire, previous incident radiator failure, computer failure, defective control switches and defectice engine.
My car began to over heat in july and I took it to the mechanic. I had to replace the water pump, thermostat and timing belt. @ months pass and again its overheating again now I'm told the head gasket is bad. I fix the head gasket and its overheating. They do not know what is causing it to overheat. $1500 later I'm still in the same boat.
Other problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
- Electrical system 63 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 39 complaints
- Lighting 28 complaints
- Body & structure 17 complaints
- Air bags 15 complaints