1996 Volkswagen Cabrio
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 6 complaints
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 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle leaks gas. Gas leak is coming from engine area of vehicle. Also vavle gasket was replaced which did not correct problem. Delaers then noted that problem could not be found.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-07-28
Air bags
2 of 6 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Car involved in front end accident and the passenger side airbag deployed but the driver side did not and personal injury was the result, the car was turning left on city street and was struck in right…
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-17
Upon low speed impact, 5 MPH, both front airbags expanded causing minor burns and 'cuts' on passenger in front seat. Since accident on 03-25-01, the dealer has yet to receive the needed replacement air bags-today's date, 04-16-01.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-04-23
Visibility
1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
Power train
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 6 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
Hood latch failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-27
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2000-08-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-12-28 Fuel tank puncture
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Volkswagen Cabrio — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1996 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 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.