1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet
Only 8 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 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER 91V215000 CONCERNING THE AIR BAGS. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO SEND ANOTHER LETTER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE AIR BAG DEFECT HAS OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030804
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, AIRBAG CENTRAL CONTROL UNIT IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951026
3 of 8 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: equipment.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY, DUE TO AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTIONED, DLR/MFR WON'T ASSIST. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960220
WHILE DRIVING, AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY, DUE TO AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTIONED, DLR/MFR WON'T ASSIST. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960220
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
THE CENTER OF THE WATER SEPARATOR PANEL LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BETWEEN ENGINE AND FIREWALL COULD BEND IN THE EVENT SOMEONE LEANS ON IT DURING ENGINE MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS OR CHECKING OF FLUI
Remedy: INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKET TO SECURE SEPARATOR PANEL.
Campaign 91V162000 — check if this car was fixed
THE AIRBAG HARNESS WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED THROUGH AN OPENING IN THE DASHBOARD CROSSMEMBER AND COULD BE PINCHED AND CHAFED BETWEEN TWO PANELS EVENTUALLY RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE WIRE.
Remedy: SECURE WIRE TO THE CROSSMEMBER WITH A CLIP.
Campaign 91V215000 — check if this car was fixed
THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION RAIL ON THE ENGINE MAY SHRINK BEYOND THE CLAMP FORCE OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMPS, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
Campaign 92V058000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V201000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V162000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V215000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 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 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?
4 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.