1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet
Only 9 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 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 9 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER WILL FIX AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. *PH TWO RECALLS WERE ISSUED RELATED TO THIS FAILURE, 94V-065000 AND 91V-201000. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ISSUED. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030912
RECALL # 94V065000: FUEL TANK: AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE GAS TANK STARTED TO LEAK. DEALER STATED TO CONSUMER THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $700.00 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AND ACCUMULATOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000207
THERE IS A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE GAS TANK, AND CONSUMER CAN SMELL THE GAS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. PROBLEM HAS RETURNED, AND DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19991103
2 of 9 total reports mention: fuel system, other.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HAD A WET SUBSTANCE ON THE GROUND. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AND THE LEAK WAS DETERMINED TO BE GAS. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE GAS TANK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050318
1989 VW CABRIOLET FUEL TANK HAS DEFECTIVE SEAM WELD IN FUEL TANK AS DOCUMENTED IN CAMPAIGN # 94V065000. TANK HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED, YET VW SAYS THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041108
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
1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, other issues (2 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 1989 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 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 78% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.