MYRModel Year Report

1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet

○ Not enough data
1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet
RENDERED 2026-10-31T11:44:53.045Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
11

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 11 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1990
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 11 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1990
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 11 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1990

1987: 11 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19856
19863
198711
19886
19899
19908

Known problem areas

Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

8 of 11 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-23

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-23

Recall repairs for fuel tank leakage refused since vehicle wa spreviously inspected and no defects were found 41/2 years ago (94V-065).

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-02

Visibility

2 of 11 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and heater core.

INJURY
Show 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, 2001-04-25

Structure

1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Steering

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-05-08

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · 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
    1990-10-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-02-28 Gas tank leaks
  3. I
    1991-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Gas tank leaks
  4. I
    1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure
  5. R
    1991-12-13Fuel system, gasoline91V201000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    1994-08-15Fuel system, gasoline94V065000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V053000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 91V201000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 94V065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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, 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.