Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Sunroof spontaneously opens and closes without warning. When it opens, it is impossible to get it closed with the switch as it never returns to a predictable position based on the markings on the switch. Once open, it May close itself at randomly and unpredictably. When it is open, I'm afraid to get my hand near it for fear it will close and pinch me. It has also spontaneously opened during rainstorms which causes me to divert my attention to the road attempting to close it. The rain entering my car while it happens is also a major distraction. This problem is not unique to just my car. Nearly everyone I know with a 98 or 99 Passat has this problem.
Nar 04/07/2003 mr. The timing belt, cylinder heads and the mass air flow had to replaced and the consumer is requesting reimbursement. In the past the consumer had to replace 2 window regulators, the sun roof opened and closed for no reason, the rear door would not lock, the windshield wipers did not work.
I had the sunroof of my 1998 Passat spontaneously shatter. I was driving 60-65 MPH when this happen. The weather was overcast with light rain. The temperature was 37 f. The glass appears to be blown outward. Luckily I had the sunroof shade closed which prevented me from being showered with glass.
Water leaks into drivers side floor, relay failure and resultant defroster failure. Mildew, respiratory distress, uncontrolable sneezing, and resultant difficulty with vehicle control. Entire carpet replacement. Cost over $1000 with labor.
Control arm: noticed a loud grinding sound coming from front suspension area. Dealer diagnosed as defective lowe rcontrol arm/ ball joints. Lower control arms and ball joints were replaced. Complained to Volkswagen, who covered cost of parts but not labor. After repair learned that a friend had the identical problem in a 1999 Passat at almost the identical mileage. Then saw on this website that about 17 of 160 complaints relating to the 1998 Passat are for exactly this problem. This is clearly an engineering or manufacturing defect. Vw should replace this part for all Passat owners and reimburse those who have already had it replaced. Sunroof: sunroof opens spontaneously when switch is in the "off" position. Problem is most pronounced on warm days when car is driven over sharp bumps. Problem occurs without warning and is alarming to driver and could pose a safety risk. …
I read on 3/19/99 some reviews by owners of passats on the internet (while I was searching for comments by owners of the Honda odessey min-van). Unfortunately I cannot find the website again. However, while there, two people had asked questions relating to windshield cracking during a test drive by a well known magazine (I think it was car & driver) for the Audi a4, basically the same car as the Passat. The question was had anyone experienced such cracking. I was shocked on 3/20/99 to get into the car and see the 10-inch crack which was not there the day before. So I've been searching the www without success to find the comments from the message boards I read last Friday.
The right front seats would rock whenever vehicle is turning corners or curbs. This also happens when coming to or leaving a stop sign or light. Contacted manufacturer & nothing could be or would be done. Sun roof would open & close on its own. Would have no warning. The rear window looked like it had acid rain on it when bought. Been to dealer & mechanic removed seat & replaced it. No problem found. Checking on other problems.
On several occasion while driving at 65mph, and during rain , my sunroof would open while in off position, I have reported this to southern states Volkswagen and also Land Volkswagen, this has been ongoing since I have had this car. It became unsafe while driving in the rain and this has happened more than 15 times in the past year. Dealerships and vw corp. Are givingme the run me the run around
Catalytic converter replaced early on in ownership. Water pump, oil pump, timing belt replaced two months ago. Turbo replaced twice and still defective. Electrical problems with driver's side window, heated seat, trunk light. Suspension system bushings need replacement @ only 56,000 miles. Steering column replaced early on.
Sunroof mechanisms fractured. Sunrrof stuck open in rain. Volkswagen dealer wouldn't repair for two weeks. Took car to auto glass company to have sunroof closed. Mechanic said cause of broken sunroof mechanism was manufacturer defect - has seen a number of these sunroof mechanisms broken on passats.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 8% of the model year's 331 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.