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1998 Volkswagen CabrioProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints216 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage85kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio has problems

21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure70
Visibility52
Power train42
Electrical system40
Air bags33
Engine and engine cooling30
Equipment20
Service brakes, hydraulic22
Fuel system, gasoline10
6 other systems64

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other Cabrio year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cabrio median. How we score

'91'92'93'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL TANK PUNCTUREPE00033 · closed Dec 28, 2000
    No recall
In owners' words

What Cabrio owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1998 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO GLS FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER HAS RUSTED AND NO LONGER CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *NJ THE CONSUMER HAD TO INCUR THE COST OF HAVING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD REPLACED AFTER THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED BECAUSE OF THE DEFORMITIES IN THE WINDSHIELD HEADER. THE…
Complaint 10290674 · Nov 2, 2009
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP RIPPED ABOVE THE REAR WINDOW. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE OWNER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB.....THE DEALER STATED THIS…
Complaint 10101500 · Nov 22, 2004
THE TOP ON MY 1998 VW CABRIO HAS DRIED OUT AND IS CRACKING DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING IN THE VINYL USED FOR THE TOP. VW HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE IT EVEN THOUGH I KNOW 3 OTHER OWNERS LOCALLY WITH THE SAME EXACT YEAR/CAR/PROBLEM.*AK
Complaint 10028751 · Jul 21, 2003 · 85,000 miles

Own a 1998 Cabrio?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.