MYRModel Year Report

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio

○ Not enough data
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:03:03.286Z

Only 21 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 21 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, 1998 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 1998 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 16 complaints 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002
1998: 21 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19891
19917
19929
19938
199515
19966
199714
199821
199929
200016
200138
200223

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STRUCTURE

7 of 21 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing roof and pillars and body.

Show complaint excerpts

THE TOP ON MY 1998 VW CABRIO HAS DRIED OUT AND IS CRACKING DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING IN THE VINYL USED FOR THE TOP. VW HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE IT EVEN THOUGH I KNOW 3 OTHER OWNERS LOCALLY WITH THE SAME EXACT YEAR/CAR/PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030721

VISIBILITY

5 of 21 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and sun/moon roof assembly.

CRASH INJURY
POWER TRAIN

4 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CLUTCH INHIBITOR RELAY WAS FAULTY--CAR WOULD NOT START AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX, PASSENGER SEATBELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES ALREADY, ABS LIGHT CAME ON 4 DAYS BEFORE ACCIDENT TOOK CAR INTO CHAPMAN'S TO BE FIXED BUT WHEN I WENT TO STOP...

NHTSA ODI report, 19990428

Also filed under PARKING BRAKE and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and 12v/24v/48v battery.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20000810 — PE (closed 20001228)

FUEL TANK PUNCTURE

R 20030613 — fuel system, gasoline

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

Campaign 02V026000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V026000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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