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
- 3
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 3 complaints
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.
Electrical system
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, 1998-11-11
Visibility
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-06
Fuel system, gasoline
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, 2003-10-14
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
-
I
1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V053000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.