1999 Volkswagen Cabrio problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Cabrio year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 12 Cabrio years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (26% of the total).
66
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Cabrio years?
What are the most common 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 17 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 6 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“99 VW CABRIO CAUGHT FIRE NEXT TO THE FIREWALL. VW WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. THIS IS A LEASE VEHICLE ONLY 2000 MILES OUT OF WARRENTY AND VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. VOLKSWAGEN SAID IF YOU SMOKE A CIGARETTE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN AND USE THE…”
“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON & STAYS ON, AS DOES THE ABS LIGHT, THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT, THE CARS BATTERY EXPLOADED, THE DRIVERS POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTIONS, THE VOLUME CONTROL ON THE RADIO HAS A MALFUNCTION, THE HYDROLIC PUMP FOR AUTOMATIC TOP MALFUNCTIONED & NEEDED TO BE…”
“HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY…”
“I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME…”
“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON & STAYS ON, AS DOES THE ABS LIGHT, THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT, THE CARS BATTERY EXPLOADED, THE DRIVERS POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTIONS, THE VOLUME CONTROL ON THE RADIO HAS A MALFUNCTION, THE HYDROLIC PUMP FOR AUTOMATIC TOP MALFUNCTIONED & NEEDED TO BE…”
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio — common questions
Is the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 12 Cabrio years. It is one of the Cabrio years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Cabrio problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), engine (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).
Does the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio.
Is the 1999 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.