Large Recall NHTSA · 98V160000 Reported July 16, 1998

Vw/hood latch

Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. · Latches/locks/linkages · 238,000 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
98V160000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Component
Latches/locks/linkages
Vehicles Affected
238,000
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
July 16, 1998

Defect Summary

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. the latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.

Safety Consequence

Unexpected opening of the hood could occur obstructing the driver's view of the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Dealers will inspect the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 98V160000 or campaign NR (Not Reported).
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Latches/locks/linkages.

FAQ: Recall 98V160000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 98V160000?

NHTSA recall 98V160000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on July 16, 1998. It addresses: Vw/hood latch. The recall affects approximately 238,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Latches/locks/linkages component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 98V160000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.