2001 Volkswagen Cabrio: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (16% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen cabrio. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact was involved in a head-on crash and the frontal air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained lacerations on her face and a rib fracture. The passenger of the other vehicle was also injured. The vehicle was towed to an auto tow yard and was taken into the possession of the insurance company for evaluation. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired and she was waiting to hear from the insurance company with the investigation results. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2011
“I have a 2001 volkswagen cabrio, which vw does not make anymore, and this is probably why. The car is always being fixed. One major issue I have had to replace three front axles in this car. 3/27/07 karl's custom vw; 6/28/08 big o tires; and now, 11/16/2010 I am told by sundevil auto engine and transmission mounts are sagging causing axles to bind, the car needs 4 transmission mounts and 2 axles. Vw parts are obviously inferior. I thought vw vehicles were suppose to last over 200,000 miles. What can you do for me? I am unemployed and cannot afford this $1100 repair, but I need my vehicle. With each time I've had this fixed, I was told that the vehicle was unsafe to drive.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2010
“Function of turn signals and hazard lights on my 2001 volkswagen cabrio has been degrading over time. Both systems are now completely inoperable. There is an active vw recall (NHTSA campaign number 04v584000) for this problem on 2000-2002 golf, gti, beetle and jetta (but no current recall for the cabrio). I am requesting that the recall be expanded to include cabrio models. This is a very dangerous problem that is clearly widespread on 2000-2002 vw vehicles of all models. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2009
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“On most volkswagens (and some audi's) that were built between the years 1998 to 2002 it appears that the ABS computers fail after approximately 5 years. The problem appears to be a fault in the internal wiring of the computer that allows wires to overheat, rendering the unit inoperable. This issue has been reported on several forums as well as several companies have started up with the sole purpose of repairing these units. Volkswagen is unwilling to acknowledge this problem or provide in compensation in repairing the defective units. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Electric · May 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen cabrio. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04v096000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch), although the failures were identical. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 21,000 and current mileage was 22,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2008
“The driver side window failed. I went to do the e check in ohio and had to open the window. When I left the window didn't come up anymore. The mechanic said I need to replace the regulator which cost $310 + labor = tax.*ak note: this the second regulator my car needs to be replaced.”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2007
“The passanger front window stopped working.the mechanis said that the window regulator faile dand he had to replce it. The regulator cost me $310 plus the labor $200.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2006
“Drivers seat falls back to the back seat. Side adjustment piece fell off and the back of the seat will not stay in correct position. Dealer unable to repair - suggests purchasing new seat $600. Unacceptable for a seat to fall apart with normal use. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2006
“I was changing tires and the brake pads of 2001 vw cabrio using vw issued jack the jack collapsed because ist slipped from it grove. It happened in three different occasions. I think it is universal jack for vw cars. Luckily, I was not hurt because the the wheel was still attached to the car with the wheel nuts loosened. This jack is dangerous and should be recalled. I can send the jack to you to be examined if needed”Owner report · Equipment · Aug 2005
“Airbag light has been on for quite sometime now, however, the car was never in an accident. I am so afraid that the airbags will not deploy if the car is in an accident ! There is no dealership in my town and I have had no time to take to dealership 3 hours from here due to my work schedule. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA 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 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio. The most complained-about area is visibility (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 43,867 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:owners/service/other manual. 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.