1998 Volkswagen Passat Fuel System Problems
15 owner-reported fuel system complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Fuel System Recalls (1)
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.
Fix: 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.
Owner Complaints (15)
DRIVING BACK HOME FROM STORE AND CAR JUST DIED OUT THAN SMELT LIKE GAS.
CABIN SMELLS LIKE FUMES FOR STARTERS AN GAS GAUGE IS OFF CAR SAYS IT HAS QUARTER OF A TANK AN THAN I RUN OUT OF GAS ALMOST HAD A ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ! ALSO CAR HAS TONS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IF IT SITS FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS BATTERY DIES BUT MY MAIN CONCERN IS MY FUEL GAUGE. *TR
' RECALL CAMPAIGN' ISSUED TO INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELD IN RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING. *BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO AUTHORIZED DEALERS IN THE AREA. *SC *JB
PROBLEMS GETTING RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED ON 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT.*MR CUSTOMER CARE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN COULD NOT BE PERFORMED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE PARTS AND REPAIR TECHNICIANS WERE NOT OBTAINABLE BY ANY DEALERSHIPS OUTSIDE THE U.S. *JB
FUEL GUAGE INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYS INCORRECT LEVELS. FOR INSTANCE, WILL ONLY SHOW 3/4 FULL AFTER FILLUP. ALSO, WILL SPORATICLY JUMP BETWEEN 1/4 FULL AND FULL ON OCCASION. DEALER STATES "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. HAVE ALMOST RUNOUT OF GAS ON 4 OCCASIONS DUE TO PROBLEM. HAVE TALKED TO OTHER PASSAT OWNERS, AND MANY REPORT SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. CONCERENED ABOUT RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND BEING STRANDED OR, MORE SERIOUSLY, FIRE HAZARD. PROBLEM FIRST STARTED TO OCCUR AROUND 45K MILES.*AK
THE ENGINE STARTED VIBRATING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NLM
REPLACED COLLASPED FILLER NECK. *CJ
CONSUMER NOTICED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PUMP FUEL, THE DEALER FOUND THE HOSE LEADING DOWN TO THE TANK HAD COLLAPSED AND THE WHOLE TANK AND HOSE SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, ALSO THE GAS TANK DOOR WAS RE-ALIGNED BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T CLOSE. *SLC
CONSUMER NOTICED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PUMP FUEL, THE DEALER FOUND THE HOSE LEADING DOWN TO THE TANK HAD COLLAPSED AND THE WHOLE TANK AND HOSE SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, ALSO THE GAS TANK DOOR WAS RE-ALIGNED BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T CLOSE. *SLC
FUEL GAUGE DID NOT REGISTER THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF FUEL. FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED IN APRIL OF 99 BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT SITUATION.*AK THE CAUSE COULD BE A LOOSE WIRE ACCORDING TO THE OWNER. *YH
FUEL PUMP RELAY FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NLM
GAS FLOWED OUT OF TANK AFTER FILL UP CREATING FIRE HAZARD
GAS TANK FAILED. YH
BODY INTAKE VALVE FAILED. YH
GAS TANK CANNOT BE FILLED WITHOUT THE PUMP SHUTTING OFF REPEATEDLY.