1998 Volkswagen Passat brakes problems
103 complaints about brakes have been filed for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, which is 22% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 103 22% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 65 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When brakes problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 9 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 19 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 18 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 9 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 65 brakes complaints that report mileage, the median is about 80,000 miles, and 18% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes.
What owners wrote
When driving and applying the brakes there are no power assist brakes, and the brake pedal is hard, which isn't stopping the vehicle. Consumer has to apply the brakes very hard to stop the vehicle.
I am the original owner of a 1998 VW passat, 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission automobile. The ABS brakes warning light came on (february 27, 2005). I consulted with my independent mechanic and he said the ABS brakes were necessary in wet or icy weather in emergency situations. The problem did not result in any accident or injury. I took the car to the dealer on march 21, 2005. The dealer performed diagnosis and determined the ABS pump needed replacing.
Other problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
- Suspension 99 complaints
- Steering 59 complaints
- Engine 41 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 32 complaints
- Electrical system 29 complaints
- Fuel system 21 complaints