Looking at a Specific 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS?
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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 1998 > Volkswagen > PASSAT

1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS
Sedan 4 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 PASSAT GLS. 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.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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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
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier $ 189
Front into angle barrier $ 835
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier $ 0
Rear into pole $ 325
Average Damage Per Test $ 337

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. The low-speed damage repair costs for this 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS 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
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 83 Average
Collision Index 91 Average
Theft Index 67 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 PASSAT GLS are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



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

Recall date: 06-13-2003
Units potentially affected: 487,284
NHTSA campaign number: 02V026000
Defective part or component: FUEL:FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY:PIPE:FILLER:NECK
Description: 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. Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire. 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 disintegration. Owner notification began June 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 19,800
NHTSA campaign number: 98V134000
Defective part or component: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Description: 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. Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position. Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.


This 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS 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 PASSAT GLS?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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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 3 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 4 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
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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 PASSAT 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
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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: not 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: not 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 PASSAT GLS warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

A new kind of Volkswagen.
By Ray Thursby, NewCarTestDrive.com

Quality has seldom been an issue with Volkswagen products, and it isn't here. The Passat is beautifully assembled from materials as good as, or better than, class norms. The only potential stumbling block to its success is the window sticker, but closer inspection reveals base prices aren't the whole story: At a glance, the Volkswagen Passat seems more expensive than some of its rivals, but their advantage quickly vanishes when comparisons are made between similarly equipped examples.

Well built, fun to drive, economical, comfortable and carrying a long list of standard safety and convenience features, the stylish new Passat is highly recommended.

Overview:

Some people are fanatical about Volkswagens. They cherish their ancient Beetles while awaiting a People's Car revival later this year, buy Golfs and Jettas when they need new cars, bemoan the loss of the practical, roomy vans that were once a company mainstay. Vocal as they can be, however, VW enthusiasts are not a numerous bunch.

There's another, larger group whose members wouldn't recognize a current VW if it slid down their chimneys wrapped in a neat bow. The latter are the potential customers the company is targeting with a complete reworking of its midsize Passat sedan.

In its quest to generate sales, VW has taken two major steps. The first, and most obvious, is a move away from the anonymous styling characteristic of past Passats. Of equal or greater importance is the use of components shared with corporate sibling Audi.

Volkswagen's own hardware is plenty good, so this borrowing of powertrains and chassis platforms might seem unnecessary to aficionados. And critics may question whether this cross-pollination could lead to a loss of brand identity, making this Volkswagen too much like an Audi.

So we have two questions to ponder on an initial test drive: Is the latest Passat good enough to attract the attention of a wider range of buyers who might otherwise opt for, among others, a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Nissan Maxima? And, given the origins of its major elements, will it keep faithful Volkswagen fans happy?

Read the complete 1998 Volkswagen Passat review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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The VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS 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 Premium Midsize 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.


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