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1987 Volkswagen CabrioletProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints111 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage170kFuel system, gasoline, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 8, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet has problems

11 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
Fuel system, gasoline80
Visibility21
Steering10
Structure10

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

3 recalls

1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet 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.

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 94V-065 · Apr 8, 1994 · 7,500 vehicles

Risk. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACKED FUEL TANK WHICH COULD CATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 91V-201 · Nov 18, 1991 · 51,000 vehicles

Risk. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACKED FUEL TANK WHICH COULDCATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

1987 vs. every other Cabriolet 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 Cabriolet median. How we score

'84'85'86'87'88'89'90
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet, and the recalls they led to.

  1. GAS TANK LEAKSEA91016 · closed Nov 27, 1991
    Led to recall 91V-201
  2. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA91054 · closed Jun 12, 1992
    Led to recall 92V-050
  3. GAS TANK LEAKSPE91007 · closed Feb 28, 1991
    No recall
In owners' words

What Cabriolet owners report

Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS FUEL TANK AS STATED IN RECALL # 94V065000; BUT, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Complaint 10024749 · Jun 23, 2003 · 170,000 miles
CONSUMER HAD FOUND A CRACK ON FUEL TANK AFTER SMELLING FUEL, AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM TANK. TANK HAD TO BE REPAIRED. CURRENTLY, CONSUMER HAD FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL 94V065000 WHICH DEALT WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 879250 · Jan 29, 2001
THE FUEL TANK HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE BECAUSE OF LEAKAGE. ONCE IN APRIL OF 97 AND ONCE IN AUGUST OF 97. THE FUEL TANK IS BEING REPLACED AGAIN BECAUSE OF SAME PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 816600 · Sep 23, 1997

Own a 1987 Cabriolet?

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