1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1992
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer received recall 91v201000 for fuel tank assembly. The vehicle is leaking gasoline. Dealership inspected vehicle, and problem wasn't solved. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2000
“Vapors appear when consumer fills up vehicle. Also, consumer can only get a half tank of gas when filling up vehicle due to a shortage within the tank.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1999
“Consumer never received a recall letter 91v215000 concerning the air bags. The manufacturer refused to send another letter to have the recall repairs performed. The air bag defect has occurred. *ak the air bag light illuminated which meant the air bag may not deploy in case of a collision. *ph *jb”Owner report · Air Bags
Show 1 more owner reports
“While driving, airbag indicator light stays on continuously, due to airbag control unit malfunctioned, dlr/mfr won't assist. Tt”Owner report · Air Bags
Recalls - 4 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.
A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
Remedy: CHECK VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DEFECT IS FOUND.
THE AIRBAG HARNESS WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED THROUGH AN OPENING IN THE DASHBOARD CROSSMEMBER AND COULD BE PINCHED AND CHAFED BETWEEN TWO PANELS EVENTUALLY RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE WIRE.
Remedy: SECURE WIRE TO THE CROSSMEMBER WITH A CLIP.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact Cabriolet 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 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet have open recalls?
4 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.