Volkswagen CABRIOLET recall history and complaint patterns

13 recall campaigns and 55 complaints in official NHTSA data for the Volkswagen CABRIOLET (1984–1990). The most commonly reported problem areas are Fuel system, gasoline, Electrical system, Air bags.

Last updated: 2025-12-22 (NHTSA data snapshot)

← View all Volkswagen models

At a Glance

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Volkswagen CABRIOLET, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

• Coverage spans model years 1984–1990 with 13 recall campaigns and 55 complaints in NHTSA data.
• Years with the most recall activity: 1990 (4), 1987 (3), and 1989 (2).
• Years with the most complaint volume: 1987 (12), 1990 (11), and 1989 (9).
• Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions, Airbags, and Other.
• Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Fuel system, gasoline, Electrical system, Air bags.
• Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
• Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Common Problems in NHTSA Data

Across all model years, the most commonly reported problem areas for the Volkswagen CABRIOLET in NHTSA complaint data are Fuel system, gasoline, Electrical system, Air bags.

How to read NHTSA complaint data to research common problems →

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

What to Do Next

• Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
• If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
• If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Fuel system , Vehicle speed control and Air bags

Other Volkswagen Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other Volkswagen models.

• Arteon 2019–2023
• Atlas 2018–2027
• Atlas Cross Sport 2020–2027
• Beetle 1998–2019
• Cabrio 1995–2002
• CC 2012–2018
• Corrado 1989–1995
• Dasher 1981–1981
• e-Golf 2015–2020
• Eos 2007–2016
• EuroVan 1992–2004
• FOX 1987–1993
• GLI 2008–2009
• Golf 1985–2021
• Golf Alltrack 2017–2020
• Golf R 2013–2027
• Golf SportWagen 2015–2020
• GTI 1989–2025
• ID. Buzz 2025–2027
• ID.4 2021–2027
• Jetta 1981–2027
• Jetta GLI 2021–2027
• Jetta SportWagen 2009–2014
• Jetta Wagon 2001–2006
• Passat 1989–2022
• Phaeton 2004–2006
• Quantum 1982–1988
• R32 2004–2008
• Rabbit 1981–2009
• Routan 2009–2014
• Scirocco 1981–1989
• Taos 2022–2027
• Tiguan 2009–2027
• Tiguan Limited 2018–2018
• Touareg 2004–2018
• Vanagon 1983–1991

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov