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 PER YEAR
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.
2 of 5 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE YARD AND CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950911
THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN AND HAD A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL. *NM *SC
NHTSA ODI report, 20050211
1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *SC
NHTSA ODI report, 20050317
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, 20041022
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR VIEW MIRROR
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.
Campaign 85V015000 — check if this car was fixed
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 HOSE
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 305-885-864
Campaign 06E018000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1982 Volkswagen Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V015000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E018000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
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 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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.