VehicleVerdict

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Cabrio year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 12 Cabrio years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (7), electrical system (5), and visibility & wipers (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Cabrio years?

Cabrio NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted66 complaints1989: 1 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 12 complaints1993: 18 complaints1995: 19 complaints1996: 7 complaints1997: 20 complaints1998: 37 complaints1999: 66 complaints2000: 18 complaints2001: 58 complaints2002: 39 complaints
Cabrio NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cabrio years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure719%
Electrical System514%
Visibility & Wipers514%
Transmission411%
Airbags38%
Brakes38%
Engine38%
Latches & Locks13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Fuel System13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Driver Assistance13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V026000Fuel SystemJanuary 25, 2002 · 487,284 units

Defect

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER ONE YEAR, THE TOP STARTED DEVELOPING BLACK MARKS, THE MARKS DO NOT COME OFF WITH SOAP AND WATER, THE TOP ALSO STARTED TURNING ORANGE AND BECAME STICKY, THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS SUN DAMAGE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS MOSTLY KEPT IN A GARAGE, THE TOP IS NOW RIPPING NEAR THE BACK WINDOW,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 23, 1999

“IGNITION SWITCH OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS. A PRIVATE MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, AND WAS MAKING REPAIRS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2001

“CLUTCH INHIBITOR RELAY WAS FAULTY--CAR WOULD NOT START AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX, PASSENGER SEATBELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES ALREADY, ABS LIGHT CAME ON 4 DAYS BEFORE ACCIDENT TOOK CAR INTO CHAPMAN'S TO BE FIXED BUT WHEN I WENT TO STOP AT A LIGHT I PRESSED ON BREAKS AND IT SLOWED A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 13, 1999 · crash

“CLUTCH INHIBITOR RELAY WAS FAULTY--CAR WOULD NOT START AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX, PASSENGER SEATBELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES ALREADY, ABS LIGHT CAME ON 4 DAYS BEFORE ACCIDENT TOOK CAR INTO CHAPMAN'S TO BE FIXED BUT WHEN I WENT TO STOP AT A LIGHT I PRESSED ON BREAKS AND IT SLOWED A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 13, 1999 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TRAVELING 60MPH, HIT A PATCH OF ICE AND WENT INTO MEDIAN. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND CAME TO A STOP. SEAT BELT DIDN'T WORK. NOTICED THE PROBLEM 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO ACCIDENT CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER DIDN'T HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. ALSO, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 24, 2000 · crash

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio — common questions

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 12 Cabrio years. It is one of the Cabrio years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Cabrio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volkswagen Cabrio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cabrio years to avoid are 1999, 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Cabrio years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.