1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet

○ Not enough data
1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:16:23.144Z

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.

SUSPENSION

1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

PREMATURE METAL FATIGUE OF FRONT END. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19951116

STRUCTURE

1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure.

Show complaint excerpts

FRONT END METAL FATIGUE. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960125

STEERING

1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.

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

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 suspension:front, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.