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
- 8
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
5 of 8 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
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, 2003-08-04
While driving, airbag indicator light stays on continuously, due to airbag control unit malfunctioned, dlr/mfr won't assist. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-20
Air bag indicator light came on, airbag central control unit is defective and needs to be replaced. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-26
Fuel system, gasoline
3 of 8 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Equipment
1 of 8 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc..
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
-
R
1992-01-09Vehicle speed control91V162000 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…
Remedy: Install reinforcement bracket to secure separator panel.
-
R
1992-05-22Air bags91V215000 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.
-
R
1992-05-22Fuel system, gasoline92V058000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 91V201000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 91V162000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 91V215000 · Air bags
- Recall 92V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 63% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?
- 4 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.