1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1983
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1983: 1 complaint
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 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Exterior lighting
1 of 1 total report mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
When driving at night the headlights go off .
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-29
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
1983 Volkswagen Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 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 1983 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 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1983 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.