1998 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

0 recalls, 12 complaints - 64 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

12 total complaints 2 crashes 3 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE1
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Sep 17, 2005
Incident date: Sep 15, 2005
I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT, IN THE RAIN, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. I ALSO NOTICED THAT MY WIPERS AND MY FAN ALSO STOPPED WORKING. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AGAIN, ALL WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 10 SEC., THEN IT WENT... Read more
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW Oct 21, 2004
Incident date: Oct 20, 2004
SIDE AIRBAG (PASSENGER) DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT WITH A POTHOLE WITH THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL
1 injured
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS May 14, 2003
Incident date: May 13, 2003
1998 VOLKSWAGEN GTI VR6. ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE. SAW THIS SITE ON WWW.VWVORTEX.COM. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Apr 1, 2003
THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A TURN. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Apr 1, 2003
THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A TURN. *JB
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE Feb 21, 2003
Incident date: May 21, 2002
1998 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI ROLLED INTO A DITCH OFF 101 NEAR GILROY. THREE DAYS PRIOR IT HAD HAD SERVICED ENTIRELY BY MICHAEL'S AUTO BODY IN DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE. WITH REPAIRS TOTALLING $2000. THESE REPAIRS WERE SUPPOSEDLY MERELY "WEAR AND TEAR" FROM A TOWING BY THE SJPD. THE ANTILOCK BRAKES LOCKED AND TH... Read more
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK Feb 21, 2003
Incident date: May 21, 2002
1998 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI ROLLED INTO A DITCH OFF 101 NEAR GILROY. THREE DAYS PRIOR IT HAD HAD SERVICED ENTIRELY BY MICHAEL'S AUTO BODY IN DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE. WITH REPAIRS TOTALLING $2000. THESE REPAIRS WERE SUPPOSEDLY MERELY "WEAR AND TEAR" FROM A TOWING BY THE SJPD. THE ANTILOCK BRAKES LOCKED AND TH... Read more
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Feb 23, 2001
Incident date: Feb 22, 2001
VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND DIED WITHOUT WARNING. JUST BEFORE VEHICLE STALLED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND DIED SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 23, 2001
Incident date: Feb 22, 2001
VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND DIED WITHOUT WARNING. JUST BEFORE VEHICLE STALLED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND DIED SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Sep 21, 1999
Incident date: Jan 1, 1999
DOOR PANELS CAME OFF. *YC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jul 6, 1999
Incident date: Jun 20, 1999
ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED AND NEVER WENT *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK Aug 23, 1998
Incident date: Jul 25, 1998
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED. NOT SURE IF ABS IS WORKING DURING THIS TIME.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

64 manufacturer communications from 43 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL12
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
350000 EQUIPMENT6
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL2
060000 ENGINE (PWS)2
V171901201285565 Aug 21, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285562 May 30, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560 Apr 24, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V941901201152119 Dec 12, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update model year applicability to include 2023.
V271901201189422 Dec 6, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
V171901201285534 May 11, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V871806201994714 May 12, 2020
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
V941901201152115 Apr 21, 2020
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
SM 33-2019 Mar 27, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
TT 91 19 01 Mar 22, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
TT 91 19 01 Mar 22, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
V171901-2012855 Mar 12, 2019
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
V271901-2011894 Feb 19, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
V941901-2011521 Feb 18, 2019
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
TT001703 Nov 10, 2017
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
TT 200901 Aug 18, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
SM 44-2017 EN Jun 28, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
VHW-17-11 Jun 22, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
1-2017 Update Feb 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
V691601 2010479 Oct 31, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update model year applicability to include 2017.
V871622 2019947 Oct 24, 2016
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Update to model year applicability.
TT 97-12-02 Sep 23, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
Airbag Jan 22, 2016
140000 AIR BAGS
Airbag Issues.
Elsa 6-29-15 Jun 29, 2015
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 22, 2015
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech
Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 22, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech
Edition115 Dec 8, 2014
160000 STRUCTURE
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition115 Dec 8, 2014
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition115 Dec 8, 2014
103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition115 Dec 8, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition115 Dec 8, 2014
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
VW Elsa Newsletter
271402 Dec 3, 2014
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
871409 Sep 24, 2014
138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
TB171404 Sep 2, 2014
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
941403 Jun 4, 2014
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Edition86 May 19, 2014
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition86 May 19, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition86 May 19, 2014
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition86 May 19, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition86 May 19, 2014
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition86 May 19, 2014
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
VW Elsa Newsletter
Edition86 May 19, 2014
350000 EQUIPMENT
VW Elsa Newsletter
TT240801 May 9, 2014
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
TT240801 May 9, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
TB001404 Apr 10, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
941402 Mar 6, 2014
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
PDI - GOLF GTI T Feb 11, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Golf/GTI Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections:
TB001403 Jan 27, 2014
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
TB001403 Jan 27, 2014
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
138220 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
PDI - GOLF GTI T Jul 17, 2013
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Golf Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purch
PDI - GOLF GTI T Jun 13, 2013
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Golf Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purcha
941401 Feb 14, 2011
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
2015831 Aug 28, 2008
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE
2015831 Aug 28, 2008
161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE
010702 Jan 11, 2007
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
DTC'S P1297 (17705) OR P1557 (17965) STORED IN DTC MEMORY. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY INTAKE HOSES LEAKING (DURING BOOST CONDITIONS) DUE TO INCORRECT TORQUE ON CLAMPS OR IMPROPER PLACEMENT, WORN OR TORN INTAKE HOSES. *KB
0101 Jun 12, 2001
220000 SEATS
SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT
9801 Aug 21, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUBJECT ON RADIO REMOTE CONTROL LOCKING SYSTEM. *YC
9801 Jun 26, 1998
136100 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
CONDITION WITH REAR WIPER FUNCTIONS ONLY WHEN WIPER WASHER SWITCH IS CONTINUALLY PUSHED. *YC
60 9704 Nov 14, 1997
134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
SUBJECT PERTAINING TO POWER SUNROOF CONVENIENCE CLOSE FEATURE, FUNCTION CHANGE. *AK
57 9706 Nov 4, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PROGRAMMING/REPROGRAMMING ON REMOTE LOCKING/ALARM SYSTEM TRANSMITTERS. *YC

VOLKSWAGEN GTI - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN GTI across all model years (1985, 2025).

83 Total Recalls
1,949 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
67 Reported Crashes
26 Reported Fires
7 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN GTI - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2025 1 0 View
2024 2 40 View
2023 5 11 View
2022 6 56 View
2021 1 8 View
2020 3 10 View
2019 4 288 View
2018 3 21 View
2017 2 57 View
2016 4 84 View
2015 6 123 View
2014 1 18 View
2013 2 42 View
2012 2 52 View
2011 2 65 View
2010 1 68 View
2009 2 295 View
2008 1 76 View
2007 1 102 View
2006 2 57 View
2005 1 12 View
2004 1 13 View
2003 1 72 View
2002 2 141 View
2001 2 97 View
2000 3 58 View
1999 2 11 View
1998 (current) 0 12
1997 0 12 View
1996 1 11 View
1995 2 28 View
1994 2 0 View
1993 2 0 View
1992 1 0 View
1991 1 1 View
1990 2 0 View
1989 1 0 View
1988 1 0 View
1987 2 2 View
1986 3 2 View
1985 2 3 View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model Recalls Complaints
JETTA 249 14,075 View
GOLF 190 2,084 View
PASSAT 185 10,492 View
BEETLE 157 3,629 View
ID.4 115 1,606 View
ATLAS 101 2,700 View
TIGUAN 78 3,173 View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT 73 701 View