The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.
The risk
Repeated chafing could eventually result in a leaking brake line causing diminished braking in one brake circuit increasing the vehicle's stopping distance.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-195 (98V195000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings |
| Report date | August 17, 1998 |
| Owners notified | October 15, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 153,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-195 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 153,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.