Three problems related to tire tread/belt have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Belts separating to the extent that the tire went flat and had to be replaced. The tire still had 5/16ths tread depth and so had lots of life left. ( dot number: mkhcfjdr tire size: 195/60 r14 ).
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 ).
Goodyear eagle tires experienced the inner side of the tire hanging on to the tread by strands of steel.
| Tire problems | |
| Tire Sidewall problems | |
| Tire Blowout problems | |
| Tire Tread/belt problems | |
| Tire Bulge problems |