1998 Volkswagen Passat

Introduction:

The 1998 Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size sedan that was available with a choice of four gasoline engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 1.8-liter inline-four with 125 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. A 2.8-liter V6 with 190 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque was also available, as well as a 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel inline-four with 110 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line engine was a 2.8-liter V6 with 200 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat generally praise the vehicle’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and responsive handling. However, they also complain about its high maintenance costs, poor fuel economy, and lack of features.

Engine

• 1.8-liter inline-four
  • Engine misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine will run rough, hesitate, and may stall.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• 2.8-liter V6
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner will fail, causing the timing chain to skip and the engine to lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel inline-four
  • Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors will fail, causing the engine to run rough and lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch will slip or chatter, making it difficult to shift gears.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Five-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission fluid leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission will leak fluid, causing it to slip and shudder.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension strut mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: The front suspension strut mounts will wear out, causing the suspension to become noisy and the vehicle to handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension springs
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear suspension springs will sag, causing the rear of the vehicle to sit lower than the front.
  • Solution: Replace the rear suspension springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery will fail, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter will fail, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Window regulators
  • Description/Symptoms: The window regulators will fail, causing the windows to become stuck or fall out of the door.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door locks
  • Description/Symptoms: The door locks will fail, causing the doors to become unlocked or stuck.
  • Solution: Replace the door locks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power seat motors
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seat motors will fail, causing the seats to become stuck or unable to move.
  • Solution: Replace the power seat motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof will leak or become stuck.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof seals or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1998 Volkswagen Passat is a comfortable and spacious car that is known for its responsive handling. However, it is also known for its high maintenance costs, poor fuel economy, and lack of features. The most common issues with the Passat include engine misfires, timing chain tensioner failure, fuel injector failure, clutch failure, transmission fluid leaks, and suspension strut mount wear. The severity of these issues varies, but they can all be expensive to fix.