1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet
Only 11 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 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 11 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS FUEL TANK AS STATED IN RECALL # 94V065000; BUT, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030623
THE FUEL TANK HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE BECAUSE OF LEAKAGE. ONCE IN APRIL OF 97 AND ONCE IN AUGUST OF 97. THE FUEL TANK IS BEING REPLACED AGAIN BECAUSE OF SAME PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970923
RECALL REPAIRS FOR FUEL TANK LEAKAGE REFUSED SINCE VEHICLE WA SPREVIOUSLY INSPECTED AND NO DEFECTS WERE FOUND 41/2 YEARS AGO (94V-065). *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961002
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED ONTO THE CONSUMERS LEGS, THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED BURNS TO BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT CALVES, DUE TO THE PAIN OF THE HOT STEAM THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS STILL MOVING AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE HIT A...
NHTSA ODI report, 20010425
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
1 NORMAL DRIVING 2 LOWER BEARING OF THE STEERING COLUMN FALLS FROM BEARING RACE, CREATES HAZARDOUS STEERING 3 A PLASTIC BEARING RETAINER IS THE FACTORY REPLACEMENT AND THIS BRAKES CAUSING THE FAILURE. REPLACEMENT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100508
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
GAS TANK LEAKS
GAS TANK LEAKS
HEATER CORE FAILURE
A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
Remedy: CHECK VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DEFECT IS FOUND.
Campaign 91V201000 — check if this car was fixed
A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANK IF THE DEFECT IS PRESENT.
Campaign 94V065000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V053000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V201000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 73% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.