1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1990 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 3 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMOBILE: LEFT INDICATOR LIGHT NOT WORKING, HORN BROKEN, BACK - UP LIGHTS NOT WORKING, CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION NEEDS WORK (TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL), ALL LOCKS BROKEN...
NHTSA ODI report, 19981111
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Show complaint excerpts
THE HEATER CORE HAS FAILED AND IS LEAKING, AND MAKING THE CAR HARDER TO STOP. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970806
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL LEAKS FROM TOP OF TANK WHEN TANK IS FULL OR OVER 1/2 FULL... PREVIOUS RECALLS OF THIS CAR AND THOSE SIMILAR LIST PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031014
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
HEATER CORE FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V053000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 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 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 133% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.