1998 Volkswagen Jetta electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 42 complaints for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 17% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 42 17% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 69,000 miles 11 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 6
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 11 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 69,000 miles, and 36% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 6 fires, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Vehicle experienced an under the dash fire while traveling at 25 MPH. Consumer extinguished the fire before local fire deparment arrived. Manufacturer notified.
My 1998 volkswagen (VW) jetta has an ignition switch problem. When driving, it falls back, turning off the electrical system (including lights and windshield wipers). VW has identified this as a problem in the 1996 and 1997 jettas (and sent out a recall on the part) but does not recognize it as a problem for the 1998 models. I have been told by a VW service person that the 1998 models use the same ignition switch as the 1996/1997's. VW representatives claim that they do not see a problem with the 1998's.
Other problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 44 complaints
- Tires 20 complaints
- Engine 15 complaints