1998 Volkswagen Jetta power train problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volkswagen jetta gl. The contact stated that the gear shift lever would not release out of park because the brake sensor failed. Each time the brake pedal was depressed, the gear shift would not move out of park. The contact called the dealer who stated that she would…”
filed Feb 24, 2011
“While backing up there was a clunking sound and transmission popped out of reverse. Dealer replaced transmission linkage.*ak”
filed Apr 1, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Jetta years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Jetta | 6 | 26% |
| 2024 Jetta | 5 | 13% |
| 2023 Jetta | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 Jetta | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 Jetta | 7 | 14% |
| 2019 Jetta | 162 | 30% |
| 2018 Jetta | 5 | 16% |
| 2017 Jetta | 15 | 9% |
| 2016 Jetta | 22 | 14% |
| 2015 Jetta | 23 | 12% |
| 2014 Jetta | 73 | 19% |
| 2013 Jetta | 140 | 27% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.