MYRModel Year Report

1997 Volkswagen Cabrio

○ Not enough data
1997 Volkswagen Cabrio
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:02:13.534Z

Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Cabrio Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1989: 1 complaints 1989 1991: 7 complaints 1992: 9 complaints 1992 1993: 8 complaints 1995: 15 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 14 complaints 1997 1998: 21 complaints 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 16 complaints 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002
1997: 14 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19891
19917
19929
19938
199515
19966
199714
199821
199929
200016
200138
200223

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RETURN FROM STARTER POSITION -- BURNING OUT STARTER. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH 1997 A4 BUT WAS NEVER REPORTED/CARRIED OVER TO THE 1997 CABRIOLET.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130515

Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

ELECTRICAL FIRE IN ENGINE - APPARENT SHORT IN STARTER WIRING

NHTSA ODI report, 19990429

I'M NOT SURE IF THIS FALLS WITHIN YOUR AREA OR RESPONSIBILITY. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE PURCHASED BRAND-NEW, SHOULD HAVE BOTH THE ALTERNATOR AND RADIATOR FAN MOTOR FAIL SO SOON.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990901

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 14 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and radiator assembly.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 14 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

TIRES

1 of 14 total reports mentions: tires.

Show complaint excerpts

RIGHT REAR TIRE WALL BLEW OUT. DRIVER DID NOT HIT AN OBJECT. TIRE CUT GASH IN GASOLINE TANK AND CUT BRAKE LINE. FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO SCENE. NO FIRE RESULTED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980820

STRUCTURE

1 of 14 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing roof and pillars.

Show complaint excerpts

THE CONVERTIBLE TOP RIPPED OPEN ON THE SEAM WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *LA

NHTSA ODI report, 20031113

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20000810 — PE (closed 20001228)

FUEL TANK PUNCTURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Volkswagen Cabrio — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.