VehicleVerdict

2001 Volkswagen Cabrio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 58 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Cabrio year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 12 Cabrio years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (9), visibility & wipers (8), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

58

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Cabrio years?

Cabrio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cabrio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System916%
Visibility & Wipers814%
Brakes712%
Engine712%
Airbags59%
Transmission35%
Speed Control35%
Lighting35%
Seats23%
Fuel System23%
Suspension23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Steering12%
Other12%
Seat Belts12%
Latches & Locks12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio have recalls?

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

02V244000OtherSeptember 12, 2002 · 332,950 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON MY 2001 CABRIO MAY AND HAVE CAUSED A SHORT WHICH SPARKED UNDER HOOD CAUSING SMOKE AND POSSIBLE FIRE ALSO, THE COMPUTER OVER HEATS CAUSING SHORTS WHICH MADE THE TRANSMISSION FAIL AND GAUGES FAIL, THE US GOV. (DIVISION) THAT HANDLES SUCH FAULTS SHOULD FORCE VOLKSWAGEN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 24, 2012 · fire

“I OPENED THE WINDOWS PART WAY TO COOL THE CAR OFF, AND WHEN I TRIED TO RAISE THE DRIVER'S WINDOW, IT DROPPED INTO THE DOOR AND WOULD NOT COME UP. I COULD HEAR THE MOTOR WORKING, BUT THE WINDOW WOULD NOT COME UP. HAVING HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 8, 2005

“AT 2 MILES WHEN BRAKING IN REVERSE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WOULD COME FROM REAR WHEELS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. *AK ABS LIGHT CAME ON, REPLACED ROTORS. *YD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 22, 2001

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END FENDER BENDER AT 25 MPH, ACCIDENT CAUSED A FIRE IN THE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT MANUFACTURER SENT AN ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND THAT THE INJECTOR VALVE BROKE ON IMPACT AND SPRAYED FUEL OVER ENGINE, WHICH WAS THE REASON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 8, 2001 · crash · fire

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END FENDER BENDER AT 25 MPH, ACCIDENT CAUSED A FIRE IN THE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT MANUFACTURER SENT AN ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND THAT THE INJECTOR VALVE BROKE ON IMPACT AND SPRAYED FUEL OVER ENGINE, WHICH WAS THE REASON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 8, 2001 · crash · fire

2001 Volkswagen Cabrio — common questions

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 58 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 12 Cabrio years. It is one of the Cabrio years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Cabrio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), visibility & wipers (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.