1998 Volkswagen Passat

Trims and configurations

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

• 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed automatic
• 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
• 1.9L · FWD · 4-speed automatic · Diesel
• 1.9L · FWD · 5-speed manual · Diesel
• 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed automatic
• 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
• Passat Syncro · 2.8L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat Wagon · 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat Wagon · 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
• Passat Wagon · 1.9L · FWD · 4-speed automatic · Diesel
• Passat Wagon · 1.9L · FWD · 5-speed manual · Diesel
• Passat Wagon Syncro · 2.8L · AWD · 5-speed automatic

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 20, 2026.

• 09E025000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

  DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

  Reported May 11, 2009. 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

• 99V248000: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING

  VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

  Reported September 13, 1999. View on NHTSA

• 99V131001: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

  Reported May 21, 1999. View on NHTSA

• 98V134000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

  VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE BACKFIRES DURING A COLD-START, AN AIR SCREEN WHICH IS LOOSELY SEATED IN THE AIR FLOW METER CAN BECOME DAMAGED.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING RING TO HOLD THE AIR SCREEN IN PLACE.

  Reported June 22, 1998. 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

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

• Vehicle1997Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
  1997 Volkswagen Passat

  Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline

  Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
  36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)

• Vehicle1999Gasoline
  1999 Volkswagen Passat

  Gasoline

  Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.8L 6-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS) · Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
  24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions