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
- 9
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
7 of 9 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-12
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, 2000-02-07
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, 1999-11-03
Fuel system, other
2 of 9 total reports mention: fuel system, other, most commonly citing tank assembly.
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, 2005-03-18
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-08
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1990-10-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-02-28 Gas tank leaks
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I
1991-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Gas tank leaks
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I
1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, other: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 91V201000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 94V065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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, 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.