1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet
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.
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 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 6 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 19970227
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
FRONT STRUT FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981208
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
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, 19981208
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V201000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?
2 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.