1998 Volkswagen Cabrio: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Manufacturer told me that the car can lurch forward, from 1st gear to 3rd gear, causing an accident due to a bad transmission (car has only 46,100 miles, which leads me to believe that the transmission is faulty and defective, and should be warranty, and replaced by the manufacturer, even if the car is 7 years old).*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2005
“While consumer was driving the oil light came on. Consumer placed oil into the vehicle, and oil light came on again. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer, and it was discovered that engine was defective, and no oil was in the bottom of the engine.*ak *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
“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 car of different years was recalled. Consumer found many complaints of same tear/rip in rag at same spot. The material the roof was made off distintegrated a sa few years went by. The vehicle was noisy and potentially dangerous by not having a secure roof. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“In ref to NHTSA campaign id number : 02v026000 the vw dealer in indianapolis refuses to acknowledge the existence of this recall against my 1998 vw cabrio. I checked the supplemental recall list filed with NHTSA dated june 2, 2003 and found that my VIN [xxx] is included. How can I get vw to honor the recall? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2004
“With less than 75000 miles, my vehicle has had three defective water pumps replacements. The service man at vw have commented that this appears to be a bad design and warranted the part. However, this does not provide me with any long term solution. I have logged a trouble ticket with vw america requesting that they provide a resolution or extend the warrantee beyond 100000 miles. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2003
“Convertible top shredding. Huge rips all over it. Class action suit filed in california. The manufacturer would like me to obtain an attorney or pay for half the repair costs. However, those included in the class action will be able to get theirs replaced.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2002
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2002
“Ignition switch operates intermittently, causing failure of electrical functions. A private mechanic has diagnosed the problem, and was making repairs. Please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2001
“The alarm system does not activate on the drivers side door. The door also occasionally does not lock on the drivers side door either. You must go to the passenger side to compensate for this flaw. Additionally the drivers side window does not always go up. About half of the time, or more it goes up and then goes back down on its own. You must hold the up button for the window for it to go all the way up when its suppose to be an automatic up automatic down window.*ak”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Jan 2001
“While driving on highway, traveling 60mph, hit a patch of ice and went into median. Vehicle rolled over and came to a stop. Seat belt didn't work. Noticed the problem 3 weeks prior to accident contacted dealer. Dealer didn't have the part available. Also, neither airbag deployed. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
How other years compare
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 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap. 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.