MYRModel Year Report

1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet

○ Not enough data
1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:03:05.284Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Cabriolet Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1990
1985: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19856
19863
198711
19886
19899
19908

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and cables.

Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS TO OPERATE WHEN FIRST STARTING VEHICLE, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS/DASH LIGHTS TO DIM UNTIL REACHING SPEEDS GREATER THAN 5 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 19960425

SUSPENSION

1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.

Show complaint excerpts

PREMATURE METAL FATIGUE OF FRONT END. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19951116

STRUCTURE

1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

FRONT END METAL FATIGUE. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960125

STEERING

1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing pump.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19870604 — fuel system, gasoline

FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.

Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

Campaign 87V053000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19911209 — EA (closed 19920612)

HEATER CORE FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V053000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet 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 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet 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.