Is the 1988 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 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet

○ Not enough data

1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:57:36.061Z

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: 6
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1988: 6 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 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

4 of 6 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and auxillary tank.

Show complaint excerpts

Recall work not completed on gas tank due to inability to find defect at time of inspection, however gas tank failed after inspection resulting in leaking.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-12-08

Also filed under Suspension

Owner states that he smells gas coming from vehicle, he also notes that there was a recall for the fuel tank for this vehicle but his was not included in the recall, owner is concerned for his safety.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-02-27

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.

Suspension

1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing macpherson strut.

Structure

1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1990-10-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-02-28 Gas tank leaks
I
1991-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Gas tank leaks
I
1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure
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 →
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

1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel system, gasoline: 4 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 91V201000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 94V065000 · Fuel system, gasoline

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet?: The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.