MYRModel Year Report

1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet

○ Not enough data
1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:31.295Z

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
6

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 6 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1990
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 6 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1990
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 6 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, 1996-04-25

Suspension

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

Show complaint excerpts

Premature metal fatigue of front end.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-16

Structure

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

Show complaint excerpts

Front end metal fatigue.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-25

Steering

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

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1987-06-04Fuel system, gasoline87V053000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V053000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.