1991 Volkswagen Cabrio: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 7 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1992
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1989 (na) volkswagen cabrio. While filling the vehicle with fuel, the contact noticed leaks from the fuel tank. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 91v201000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 volkswagen cabriolet (na). The contact noticed fuel leaking from the seam of the fuel tank. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was inspected for NHTSA campaign number: 91v201000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2015
“Horrible gas smell coming from rear drivers side, confirmed gas tank is leaking at the seam. Have gotten terribly sick with stomach pain and terrible headaches from the smell and afraid vehicle is going to blow up. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2008
Show 2 more owner reports
“1991 volkswagen cabriolet fuel tank leaking from spot-welded seam. Vw agreed to replace tank for free, but only after many calls to their product compliance dept over several weeks. Vw mechanics claim this is a common defect, but no recall exists.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2002
“Seam split on fuel tank allowing fuel to leak out. Reference NHTSA campaign 91v16200 identical failure. Mfg refuses to honor this vehicle for the referenced campaign.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE CENTER OF THE WATER SEPARATOR PANEL LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BETWEEN ENGINE AND FIREWALL COULD BEND IN THE EVENT SOMEONE LEANS ON IT DURING ENGINE MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS OR CHECKING OF FLUID LEVELS. A BENT PANEL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE FREE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE.
Remedy: INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKET TO SECURE SEPARATOR PANEL.
THE TRACK CONTROL ARMS USED TO SUPPORT THE FRONT WHEELS WERE IMPROPERLY WELDED IN THE AREA OF THE FLEXIBLE BUSHING MOUNTING HOLE. THIS CAUSES A GRADUAL OPENING OF THE MOUNTING HOLE AND LOOSENING OF THE BUSHING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS WHERE NECESSARY.
THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION RAIL ON THE ENGINE MAY SHRINK BEYOND THE CLAMP FORCE OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMPS, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
Check your exact Cabrio by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Volkswagen Cabrio. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 1991 Volkswagen Cabrio have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.