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1988 Volkswagen CabrioletProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Fuel system, gasoline

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 10, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet has problems

6 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, gasoline40
Engine and engine cooling20
Structure10
Suspension10

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

2 recalls

1988 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

1988 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 1988 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.

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 94V065000 IN REFEENCE TO THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. DALER STATED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
Complaint 854985 · Jan 14, 2000
OWNER STATES THAT HE SMELLS GAS COMING FROM VEHICLE, HE ALSO NOTES THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL TANK FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT HIS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, OWNER IS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY.
Complaint 809462 · Feb 27, 1997
CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS OVER THE VEHICLES FUEL TANK LEAKING AT THE TANK SEAM. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO TWO (2) RECALLS (91V201 AND 94V065). CONSUMER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT ANY ONE FOR MAKING THE REPAIRS ON THE FUEL TANK.
Complaint 566566 · Jul 10, 2002

Own a 1988 Cabriolet?

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