Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 23 | 1.2× | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 38 | 2.0× | 1 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 2000 | 16 | −14% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 1999 | 29 | 1.4× | — | Electrical | Caution |
| 1998 | 21 | 1.2× | 1 | Body | Average |
| 1997 | 14 | −33% | — | Electrical | Average |
| 1996 | 6 | −67% | — | Engine | Good |
| 1995 | 15 | −19% | — | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Cabrio year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volkswagen Cabrio problems
Latest Volkswagen Cabrio recalls
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.
Remedy: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volkswagen Cabrio should you avoid?
2001 and 1999 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Cabrio years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 2001.
What is the best year for the Volkswagen Cabrio?
1996 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cabrio years at the same age, followed by 1997 and 1995. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volkswagen Cabrio problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (38), engine & cooling (29) and brakes (20). Electrical complaints peak in the 1999 model year.
How many recalls has the Volkswagen Cabrio had?
2 recalls across 1995–2002. The model year with the most is 1998.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.