1991 Volkswagen Cabrio
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 21 |
| 1999 | 29 |
| 2000 | 16 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 23 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 7 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
1991 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET FUEL TANK LEAKING FROM SPOT-WELDED SEAM. VW AGREED TO REPLACE TANK FOR FREE, BUT ONLY AFTER MANY CALLS TO THEIR PRODUCT COMPLIANCE DEPT OVER SEVERAL WEEKS. VW MECHANICS CLAIM THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT, BUT NO RECALL EXISTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030610
GAS STARTING LEAKING AT THE SEAM OF THE TANK. THIS CAN CAUSE THE AUTOMOBILE TO EXPLODE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000518
SEAM SPLIT ON FUEL TANK ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK OUT. REFERENCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN 91V16200 IDENTICAL FAILURE. MFG REFUSES TO HONOR THIS VEHICLE FOR THE REFERENCED CAMPAIGN.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990830
2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 (NA) VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. WHILE FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, THE CONTACT NOTICED LEAKS FROM THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160603
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160129
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HORRIBLE GAS SMELL COMING FROM REAR DRIVERS SIDE, CONFIRMED GAS TANK IS LEAKING AT THE SEAM. HAVE GOTTEN TERRIBLY SICK WITH STOMACH PAIN AND TERRIBLE HEADACHES FROM THE SMELL AND AFRAID VEHICLE IS GOING TO BLOW UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080812
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE CENTER OF THE WATER SEPARATOR PANEL LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BETWEEN ENGINE AND FIREWALL COULD BEND IN THE EVENT SOMEONE LEANS ON IT DURING ENGINE MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS OR CHECKING OF FLUI
Remedy: INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKET TO SECURE SEPARATOR PANEL.
Campaign 91V162000 — check if this car was fixed
THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION RAIL ON THE ENGINE MAY SHRINK BEYOND THE CLAMP FORCE OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMPS, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
Campaign 92V058000 — check if this car was fixed
THE TRACK CONTROL ARMS USED TO SUPPORT THE FRONT WHEELS WERE IMPROPERLY WELDED IN THE AREA OF THE FLEXIBLE BUSHING MOUNTING HOLE. THIS CAUSES A GRADUAL OPENING OF THE MOUNTING HOLE AND LOOSENING OF TH
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS WHERE NECESSARY.
Campaign 92V064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Volkswagen Cabrio — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V162000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V064000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1991 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Volkswagen Cabrio?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Cabrio have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.