Three problems related to body have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have been trapped inside the front seat of this vehicle. Both front doors will occasionally not open from inside or outside the car, even with the doors unlocked. This is an intermittent and unpredictable problem that I feel is quite dangerous. These vehicles should have been recalled and had the door locking mechanism replaced.
Body trim has fallen off of left side doors. I think the problem may be heat related, and exaserbated by the car being black. However , I keep the car in my garage.
Roof rack separates at times. In February 98, consumer was driving approximately 50-55mph with snow boards tied down to roof racks, when the racks disconected. Dealership replaced the racks and the snow boards, this happened a second time, Dec. 13-98 snow boards were on the roof of vehicle and flew off when the roof racks disconnected. Consumer took vehicle to dealership (503-656-2924, alberto mechanic and service manager larry lindsey told consumer that the racks were installed incorectly, but they will not replace.