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1998 Volkswagen Jetta

US · Compact Cars

The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder
Power
Not available
Torque
Not available
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Seating
Not available
Generic outline. Published dimensions for this vehicle are not available.
Specifications at a Glance

Key Performance & Dimensions

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
DIESEL
Power Output
Not available
Peak Torque
Not available
Combined Economy
Not available
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Not available
Capacity
Not available
Exterior Dimensions
Not available
Market: US·Switch units anytime to convert horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and dimensions.
Compare 1998 Volkswagen Jetta ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
EngineVaries by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder
Displacement1.9 L to 2.8 L
Cylinders4 to 6
AspirationTurbocharged
Fuel typeVaries by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline

Not available from our sources: Power, Torque.

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Manual, Automatic
Gears4 to 5
DrivetrainFWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)
City33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)
Highway44 mpg (5.3 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)

Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.

Trims and configurations

5 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 20, 2026.

  • 09E012000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Reported April 7, 2009. View on NHTSA

  • 03V156000: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).

    Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE…

    Reported April 23, 2003. View on NHTSA

  • 02V026000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

    ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

    Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE…

    Reported January 25, 2002. View on NHTSA

Data sources

  • EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
  • NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 19, 2026

Data verified: October 20, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

    Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline

    Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
    37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)

  • 1999 Volkswagen Jetta

    Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline

    Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder · FWD
    38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)

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Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta have?

Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?

Combined fuel economy is 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 20, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.