MYRModel Year Report

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio

○ Not enough data
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:58:29.235Z

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
21

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 7 complaints 1992: 9 complaints 1992 1993: 8 complaints 1995: 15 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 14 complaints 1998: 21 complaints 1998 21 1999: 29 complaints 2000: 16 complaints 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints
1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 9 complaints 1992 1993: 8 complaints 1993 1995: 15 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 14 complaints 1997 1998: 21 complaints 1998 21 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 16 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002
1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 9 complaints 1992 1993: 8 complaints 1993 1995: 15 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 14 complaints 1997 1998: 21 complaints 1998 21 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 16 complaints 2000 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-21

Visibility

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

CRASHINJURY

Power train

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

CRASHINJURY
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, 1999-04-28

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

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2000-08-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-12-28 Fuel tank puncture
  2. R
    2003-06-13Fuel system, gasoline02V026000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V026000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.