Looking at a Specific 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE?
Start here...enter its VIN for a free vehicle history record check.


Safety and Reliability Ratings > 1998 > Volkswagen > NEW BEETLE

1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
Hatchback 2 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used VOLKSWAGEN.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


Let us do the work!
Be the first to know about 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE vehicles just listed for sale in your area.

Heading Graphic Print the Report

NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
Divider image

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not test this vehicle model.

Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Not tested by NHTSA
Passenger Not tested by NHTSA
Side Crash: Rating:
Front Seat Not tested by NHTSA
Rear Seat Not tested by NHTSA
Rollover Resistance: Rating:
Rollover Resistance Not tested by NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

IIHS Crash Test Results for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier $ 19
Front into angle barrier $ 190
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier $ 0
Rear into pole $ 0
Average Damage Per Test $ 52

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. The low-speed damage repair costs for this 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE were obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 67 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 82 Average
Theft Index 4 Substantially better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
Divider image

NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 269,151
NHTSA campaign number: 03V265000
Defective part or component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Description: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. Owner notification is expected to begin during September 2003. Owners should contact VWOA at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 362,000
NHTSA campaign number: 06V183000
Defective part or component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Description: On certain passenger vehicles, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly during safety recalls 03V265 or 04V096. The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning. Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before December 8, 2006. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall date: 05-13-1998
Units potentially affected: 8,500
NHTSA campaign number: 98V100000
Defective part or component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:HARNESS:FRONT:UNDERHOOD
Description: Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. The electrical wiring located in the engine compartment was routed too close to the endge of the vehicle's battery tray. The wiring can become damaged over time by chafing and the air-conditioner compressor and/or the fuel pump can malfunction. A malfunction of the fuel pump can cause the vehicle to stall, and in some instances, could also result in a wiring fire in the engine compartment. Dealers will install a modified battery tray and inspect, properly route, and securing the wiring in accordance with the recall repair instructions.


This 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE?
Start here...enter its VIN for a free vehicle history record check.


Heading Graphic Print the Report

J.D. Power Ratings
Divider image

Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality No data from source
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 2 of 5
Overall Appeal No data from source
  Performance Rating 4 of 5
  Comfort Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel No data from source
  Style Rating 5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability No data from source
  Mechanical Dependability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Dependability No data from source
  Body and Interior Dependability No data from source

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
Divider image
Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine No data from source
Transmission & Driveline No data from source
Steering & Suspension No data from source
Brakes No data from source
Heating & Air Conditioning No data from source
Starting & Charging No data from source
Accessories No data from source
Identifix Legend


This 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Original Manufacturer Warranty
Divider image

Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Drivetrain 10 years or 100,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 6 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 2 years or 24,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance included during basic coverage. 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain warranty for original owner or immediate family member, otherwise subsequent owner has 5 years or 50,000 miles on powertrain. Corrosion warranty is 12 years with unlimited mileage. Adjustments 1/12,000  

This 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


Awards
Divider image

The VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE did receive a J.D. Power and Associates Award in 1998. View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.


J.D. Power and Associates Award - 1998 APEAL Awardee - Most Appealing Compact Car:

This award is based on the results of the Initial Quality Study , which is based on feedback collected from new vehicle owners regarding problems experienced within the first 90 days of ownership.
View other awardees.


Unauthorized Usage Disclaimer

CARFAX DEPENDS ON ITS SOURCES FOR THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF ITS INFORMATION. THEREFORE, NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED BY CARFAX OR ITS AGENTS FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THIS REPORT. CARFAX FURTHER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

SYSTEMATIC RETRIEVAL OF THE CONTENT OR OTHER DATA FROM THIS SITE TO CREATE OR COMPILE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, A COLLECTION, COMPILATION, DATABASE OR DIRECTORY WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF CARFAX IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THE CARFAX SAFETY & RELIABILITY RATINGS IS SUBJECT TO THE CARFAX.COM TERMS OF USE.

© 2008 CARFAX, Inc., an R.L. Polk & Co. All rights reserved.