One problem related to tank assembly has been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Right rear tire blew out at freeway speed. Before coming to a stop the tire rubbed against the fuel tank that is made of plastic and wore a large hole in the tank. This could have caused a fire/explosion and loss of life. Poor design of the putting the plastic fuel tank so close to the tire. Volkswagen contacted and refused to acknowledge the poor design. New model vw Jetta does not have same design. ( dot number: mkhc tire size: 195/60hr14 ).