1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1982
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1982: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 62 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
3 of 5 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was sitting in the yard and caught on fire from under the hood. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-11
Consumer complaint about 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit bad electrical connection. *bf the vehicle would stall suddenly while in motion along with a strong fuel smell. Recall campaign# 85V015000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-17
The vehicle stalled while being driven and had a very strong fuel smell.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-11
Electrical system
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer had a 1982 Volkswagen . He read on the internet that this vehicle was being recalled for an electrical fuse panel which would overload/overheat, and malfunction. This would cause the electrical supply to the fuel pump to be interrupted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-22
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1981-11-17Defect petitionClosed 1982-02-02 Rear view mirror
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R
1985-02-13Fuel system, gasoline85V015000 The throttle shaft of the carburetor may crack and eventually break at the threaded hole for the throttle plate connection due to excessive vibration of the throttle shaft.
Remedy: Install a reinforcement plate if there is no crack in the throttle shaft. Install a new carburetor with reinforced throttle shaft if a hairline crack has developed in the shaft.
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R
2006-03-30Service brakes, hydraulic06E018000 Certain hydraulic brake hoses, p/n 171.611.107B, sold as replacement equipment for 1975-1985 Volkswagen (Vw) Rabbit; 1985-1992 vw golf; and 1980-1992 vw jetta passenger vehicles. Possible brake…
Remedy: Foreign parts distributors will notify owners and replace the brake hoses with compliant brake hoses. The recall began on March 30, 2006. Owners may contact foreign parts distributors at…
Buy-smart checklist
1982 Volkswagen Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V015000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E018000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
FAQ
- Is the 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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.