2002 Volkswagen Cabrio problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Cabrio year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 12 Cabrio years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (26% of the total).
39
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Cabrio years?
What are the most common 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | 26% | — flat |
| Lighting | 6 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 10% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE HIT REAR OF A TRAILER AT 20-30 MPH. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. VEHICLE BURSTED INTO FLAMES SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER IMPACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“2002 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO EXPERIENCING RECALL SYMPTOMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHERS HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING. SHE STATED THAT IT WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST. SHE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF HER VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THE RECALL. *KB RECALL # 04V584000. *JB”
“WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IT JUST STOPPED WOULD NOT START. WENT TO LIFT THE HOOD IT WAS HOT AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE HAD A FIRE. AT A VW DEALER FOR OVER 2 WKS AND THEY STILL CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. SO FAR THEY SAID IT APPEARS ENGINE HARNESS FIRE HAD STARTED AT THE STARTER AND THIS PART IS DISCONTINUED…”
“DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WITH AN IMPACT OF 30-35 MILES PER HOUR AND $6,000 DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. IT WAS A REAR-END COLLISION. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT.*AK”
“THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL UP. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR. IT COMPLETELY FAILED ONCE IT BROKE AND THE WINDOW REMAINED OPEN. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE NO SECURITY AND UNSAFE. THIS WEEK THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DID THE SAME THING AFTER I PAID FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE TO BE…”
2002 Volkswagen Cabrio — common questions
Is the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 12 Cabrio years. It is one of the Cabrio years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Cabrio problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), lighting (6 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Does the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio.
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.