1998 Volkswagen Passat engine and engine cooling problems
39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat — 12% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph on the expressway, the timing chain fractured prematurely and caused the engine to stall suddenly without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was determined the timing chain should have been replaced at 105,000 miles. The vehicle…”
filed Sep 5, 2006
“While cruising at highway speed in my 1998 volkswagen passat, 3 events occurred simultaneously: a 'pop' sound from the engine area, copious white smoke (not steam) from under the hood, and the engine check light activation. Immediately pulled over, and white smoke increased substantially from…”
filed Jan 1, 2006
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285565 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285562 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Passat | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 Passat | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 Passat | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 Passat | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 Passat | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 Passat | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 Passat | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 Passat | 32 | 12% |
| 2006 Passat | 66 | 11% |
| 2005 Passat | 50 | 34% |
| 2004 Passat | 59 | 21% |
| 2003 Passat | 131 | 21% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
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.