1999 Volkswagen Cabrio Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical916.1%
- Brakes712.5%
- Engine610.7%
- Driver assistance58.9%
- Body & structure47.1%
- Transmission35.4%
- Steering35.4%
- Visibility35.4%
- Exterior lighting35.4%
- Interior & seats23.6%
- Heating & air conditioning23.6%
- Fuel system23.6%
- Airbags23.6%
- Seat belts23.6%
- Suspension23.6%
- Other / unspecified11.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FUZEBOX IN THIS CAR IS UNPROTECTED FROM WATER AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND ANY TIME WATER MAY LEAK INTO CAR. I PARKED MY CAR AND WHEN I WENT TO HER BACK IN IT A HOUR LATER IT WOULDN'T CRANK THAT'S WHEN WE DISCOVERED THE FUZE BOX WAS MELTED FROM GETTING TOO HOT DUE TO IT LEAKING THRU THE ANTENNA O TO THE RELAYS FILLING THEM WITH WATER AND THEN CAUSE A DRIP TO COME FROM RELAYS ONTO FUZE AND BURN OUT THE FUZE SLIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP WHICH CAUSED MY CAR NOT TO CRANK AT ALL. THIS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND COULD POTENTIALLY BE A HUGE PROBLEM
I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LIGHT MAL-FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE TOTAL MELT DOWN OF ALL THE LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 14, 2006 WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MY STATE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THE GARAGE USED AUTHENTIC VW PARTS FROM A DEALERSHIP DOWN THE ROAD. MY CABIO HAS THE GOLF CHASSIS BUT CALLED THE CABRIO WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE VERSION. ALL MY CAR CARE BOOKS ADDRESS THE GOLF VERSION. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHY VW WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS SAME REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTICES ARE JUST GOING OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2006. *JB
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING AND AFTER IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED AND CLEANED BY BRAKE KING. SIMILAR TO THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE RECALL SINCE I OWNED ONE AND HAD THE HUB/DISC ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY STAINLESS STEEL ASSEMBLY. I WISH TO CONTINUE THIS INVESTIGATION SO THAT OTHERS ARE NOT INJURED HEAVEN FORBID. NOW I AM READY TO HANDLE THE CASE IN COURT AND AM PREPARING FOR THE TRIAL. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW TO DEFEND MY CASE AS THE ONES THAT WERE TRIED ON THE JEEP RECALL AND ACCIDENTS. ALSO, IF YOU NEED MORE INFO PLS CONTACT ME. AFTER THE FINAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERM PARTIAL DISABILITY I INCURRED IN THE ACCIDENT I FEEL THAT THIS CASE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. I AM AN ENGINEER AND AM SURE THE CORROSION CAUSED THE WHEEL DETACHMENT WHICH WAS DEFINITELY A PRODUCT DEFECT. ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE THE RECORDS OF INSPECTION AND SERVICE OF THE BRAKE INVOLVED WHICH CAUSED DETACHMENT OF MY WHEEL ONLY 5 MONTHS LATER AND IN LIGHT OF THE JEEP RECALLS. HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. THANKS. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ *TR INJURIES WERE FROM A PREVIOUS INCIDENT. UPDATED IVOQ 03/26/12 THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 99V340000. UPDATED 12/11/12
I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LIGHT MAL-FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE TOTAL MELT DOWN OF ALL THE LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 14, 2006 WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MY STATE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THE GARAGE USED AUTHENTIC VW PARTS FROM A DEALERSHIP DOWN THE ROAD. MY CABIO HAS THE GOLF CHASSIS BUT CALLED THE CABRIO WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE VERSION. ALL MY CAR CARE BOOKS ADDRESS THE GOLF VERSION. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHY VW WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS SAME REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTICES ARE JUST GOING OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2006. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) DUE TO VANDALISM, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WAS REPLACED BY A REPUTABLE SHOP. I USED THE POWER TOP ONCE AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THEN FOLLOWING THAT WINTER, THE POWER TOP FAILED. IT WAS BEYOND WARRANTY ACCORDING TO DEALER WHEN I DISCOVERED THE FAILURE. DEALER WANTS $1200 FOR REPLACEMENT. 2) THE 6 CD CHANGER STOPPED WORKING JUST AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. DEALER WANTS $600 FOR REPLACEMENT. 3) CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INTERMITTENT AFTER A THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT IN MARCH 2003. DEALER WANTS $800 FOR REPLACEMENT. 4) THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER BECAME INTERMITTENT IN SEPT 2003. IT HAS BEEN REMOVED AND THE CONTACTS CLEANED. IT ONLY WORKS ON EXTREMELY COLD MORNINGS, ONLY ON THE FIRST START. ALL OTHER GAUGES WORK ON THE MODULE. DEALER WANTS $600 FOR REPLACEMENT. 5) THE RADIO SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING (NO POWER) AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE IN JAN 2004. DEALER WANTS $600 FOR REPLACEMENT. 6) THE SMOG PUMP FAILED DEC 2005, AND CHARRED THE HARNESS WIRING. IT WAS REPLACED WITH A SALVAGED SMOG PUMP BY REPUTABLE REPAIR SHOP. DEALER WANTED $1000 FOR REPLACEMENT. *NM
ABOUT THREE MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF A NEW 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO THE ENTIRE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT QUIT WORKING. IN JULY 2001 THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WENT BAD. THREE YEARS LATER, THE CABLE HAS GONE BAD AGAIN. IN OCTOBER OF 2001 A COMPUTER CHIP WENT BAD AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. IN JANUARY 2003 THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION TO THOSE PROBLEMS, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMING ON AND STAYING ON BUT NO ONE CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUTTONS, LIKE THE LOCK BUTTON, FALL OFF THE CAR. MY TAILLIGHTS FREQUENTLY GO OUT AND COME BACK ON BY THEMSELVES BUT NO ONE CAN FIND A LOOSE WIRE. THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN JANUARY 2004. THE AUTO SHOP ORDERED PARTS AND THEY DIDN'T FIT. IT TURNS OUT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS A 1999, THERE ARE SOME 2000 PARTS ON IT. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) DUE TO VANDALISM, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WAS REPLACED BY A REPUTABLE SHOP. I USED THE POWER TOP ONCE AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THEN FOLLOWING THAT WINTER, THE POWER TOP FAILED. IT WAS BEYOND WARRANTY ACCORDING TO DEALER WHEN I DISCOVERED THE FAILURE. DEALER WANTS $1200 FOR REPLACEMENT. 2) THE 6 CD CHANGER STOPPED WORKING JUST AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. DEALER WANTS $600 FOR REPLACEMENT. 3) CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INTERMITTENT AFTER A THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT IN MARCH 2003. DEALER WANTS $800 FOR REPLACEMENT. 4) THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER BECAME INTERMITTENT IN SEPT 2003. IT HAS BEEN REMOVED AND THE CONTACTS CLEANED. IT ONLY WORKS ON EXTREMELY COLD MORNINGS, ONLY ON THE FIRST START. ALL OTHER GAUGES WORK ON THE MODULE. DEALER WANTS $600 FOR REPLACEMENT. 5) THE RADIO SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING (NO POWER) AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE IN JAN 2004. DEALER WANTS $600 FOR REPLACEMENT. 6) THE SMOG PUMP FAILED DEC 2005, AND CHARRED THE HARNESS WIRING. IT WAS REPLACED WITH A SALVAGED SMOG PUMP BY REPUTABLE REPAIR SHOP. DEALER WANTED $1000 FOR REPLACEMENT. *NM
ABOUT THREE MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF A NEW 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO THE ENTIRE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT QUIT WORKING. IN JULY 2001 THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WENT BAD. THREE YEARS LATER, THE CABLE HAS GONE BAD AGAIN. IN OCTOBER OF 2001 A COMPUTER CHIP WENT BAD AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. IN JANUARY 2003 THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION TO THOSE PROBLEMS, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMING ON AND STAYING ON BUT NO ONE CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUTTONS, LIKE THE LOCK BUTTON, FALL OFF THE CAR. MY TAILLIGHTS FREQUENTLY GO OUT AND COME BACK ON BY THEMSELVES BUT NO ONE CAN FIND A LOOSE WIRE. THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN JANUARY 2004. THE AUTO SHOP ORDERED PARTS AND THEY DIDN'T FIT. IT TURNS OUT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS A 1999, THERE ARE SOME 2000 PARTS ON IT. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONVERTIBLE TOP ACCUMULATING SOME KIND OF BLACK SUBSTANCE THAT HARDENS AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. AT THE THREE YEAR MARK, THE CAR JUST BEGAN TO DETERIORATE VERY QUICKLY. TIMING BELT, CONVERTIBLE STOPPED WORKING, ABS BRAKES KICK IN WHEN NOT SUPPOSED TO, EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 40K MILES. KEY LOCK BUTTON FELL OUT, CANNOT GET IT TO STAY IN. SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FELL APART. INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES NOT MADE WELL, LOOSENED AND FEEL AS IF THEY MAY FALL OFF. CD CHANGER HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY. *NLM
BEIGE CONVERTABLE TOP DISCOLORING AND DETERATING. TEARING AROUND REAR WINDOW AND TURNING A RUST COLOR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND COAST TO A STOP. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE RETAINER CLIP ON THE END OF THE CABLE THAT SECURED IT TO THE CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT LEVER FAILED. . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 07/18/12
I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE THE CAR HAD 8,000 MILES ON IT. YOU PUSH ON THE GAS AND THE CAR GOES JUST ENOUGH TO PUT YOU INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN IT WON'T GO ANYWHERE FOR 3-4 SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX TWICE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME IT'S FIXED, BUT IT'S NOT. MY CAR NOW HAS 56,000 MILES ON IT AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO ONE WANTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITH THIS CAR. WHEN I HIT A PATCH OF WATER, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP TEMPORARILY AND I'M UNABLE TO MANEUVER. IF I'M ON A CORNER I HAVE TO HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT.
LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT MY CAR, THE BRAKES NEEDED REPLACEMENT. LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THAT INCIDENT, MY BRAKES AGAIN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. TWO MONTHS LATER, MY BRAKES AGAIN NEEDED WORK. MY CAR FAILED ITS YEARLY INSPECTION DUE TO TIE RODS. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE BRAKES CONTINUE TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON & STAYS ON, AS DOES THE ABS LIGHT, THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT, THE CARS BATTERY EXPLOADED, THE DRIVERS POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTIONS, THE VOLUME CONTROL ON THE RADIO HAS A MALFUNCTION, THE HYDROLIC PUMP FOR AUTOMATIC TOP MALFUNCTIONED & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS SOME OTHER MORE MINOR PROBLEMS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LIGHT MAL-FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE TOTAL MELT DOWN OF ALL THE LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 14, 2006 WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MY STATE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THE GARAGE USED AUTHENTIC VW PARTS FROM A DEALERSHIP DOWN THE ROAD. MY CABIO HAS THE GOLF CHASSIS BUT CALLED THE CABRIO WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE VERSION. ALL MY CAR CARE BOOKS ADDRESS THE GOLF VERSION. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHY VW WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS SAME REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTICES ARE JUST GOING OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2006. *JB
MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONVERTIBLE TOP ACCUMULATING SOME KIND OF BLACK SUBSTANCE THAT HARDENS AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. AT THE THREE YEAR MARK, THE CAR JUST BEGAN TO DETERIORATE VERY QUICKLY. TIMING BELT, CONVERTIBLE STOPPED WORKING, ABS BRAKES KICK IN WHEN NOT SUPPOSED TO, EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 40K MILES. KEY LOCK BUTTON FELL OUT, CANNOT GET IT TO STAY IN. SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FELL APART. INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES NOT MADE WELL, LOOSENED AND FEEL AS IF THEY MAY FALL OFF. CD CHANGER HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY. *NLM
99 VW CABRIO CAUGHT FIRE NEXT TO THE FIREWALL. VW WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. THIS IS A LEASE VEHICLE ONLY 2000 MILES OUT OF WARRENTY AND VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. VOLKSWAGEN SAID IF YOU SMOKE A CIGARETTE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN AND USE THE ASHTRAY, ASHES CAN BLOW INTO THE DASH AND CAUSE FIRE. THE FIREMEN SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN INSULATION BURN LIKE IT DID ON THIS VOLKSWAGEN. THIS CAR LEFT US STRANDED 1000 MILES FROM HOME ON A FREEWAY WHILE ON VACATION. MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE WAS PUT IN GREAT DANGER AS THE CAR CAME CLOSE TO BLOWING UP. VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT IN THIS CASE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON & STAYS ON, AS DOES THE ABS LIGHT, THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT, THE CARS BATTERY EXPLOADED, THE DRIVERS POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTIONS, THE VOLUME CONTROL ON THE RADIO HAS A MALFUNCTION, THE HYDROLIC PUMP FOR AUTOMATIC TOP MALFUNCTIONED & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS SOME OTHER MORE MINOR PROBLEMS.
I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR EXACTLY ONE MONTH WHEN THE A/C BEGAN TO NOT WORK. I SENT IT IN TO BE FIXED AND EXACTLY 1 WEEK LATER IT WAS BACK B/C THE A/C WAS NOT WORKING AGAIN. I ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP TWICE B/C OF THE BRAKES. THERE WERE OTHER SMALL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IN BETWEEN THOSE VISITS. ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAS HIGH MILEAGE, THAT SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE PROBLEMS WHICH I HAVE HAD. I HAVE NOT OWNED THE CAR FOR 1 YR AND FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE HAD WAY TOO MANY PROBLEMS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE FUEL LINE FRACTURED. THE RESULT OF THE FAILURE WAS GAS LEAKING WHILE IN MOTION. THE CONTACT NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON ARRIVING AT THE RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE LEAK WAS IDENTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN ROUTE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS.
GAUGE CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN NO SPEEDOMETER OR TACHOMETER. THIS RESULTS IN HAVING TO GUESS YOUR SPEED. THE ONLY CORRECTION IS REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE GAUGE CLUSTER AND THE ODOMETER CANNOT BE RESET. THIS IS THE SECOND REPLACEMENT IN 12 MONTHS.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 35MPH, THE VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED ANOTHER VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS OVER. THE DRIVER THEN SWIPED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM THE IMPACT. THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF DAMAGE AT THIS TIME IS $6,000.00. *JB CONSUMER STATED THAT BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG WAS REPAIRED. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONVERTIBLE TOP ACCUMULATING SOME KIND OF BLACK SUBSTANCE THAT HARDENS AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. AT THE THREE YEAR MARK, THE CAR JUST BEGAN TO DETERIORATE VERY QUICKLY. TIMING BELT, CONVERTIBLE STOPPED WORKING, ABS BRAKES KICK IN WHEN NOT SUPPOSED TO, EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 40K MILES. KEY LOCK BUTTON FELL OUT, CANNOT GET IT TO STAY IN. SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FELL APART. INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES NOT MADE WELL, LOOSENED AND FEEL AS IF THEY MAY FALL OFF. CD CHANGER HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY. *NLM
FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. CONSUMER HAS TO MAKE ALL PASSENGERS SIT IN BACK OF VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING AND AFTER IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED AND CLEANED BY BRAKE KING. SIMILAR TO THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE RECALL SINCE I OWNED ONE AND HAD THE HUB/DISC ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY STAINLESS STEEL ASSEMBLY. I WISH TO CONTINUE THIS INVESTIGATION SO THAT OTHERS ARE NOT INJURED HEAVEN FORBID. NOW I AM READY TO HANDLE THE CASE IN COURT AND AM PREPARING FOR THE TRIAL. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW TO DEFEND MY CASE AS THE ONES THAT WERE TRIED ON THE JEEP RECALL AND ACCIDENTS. ALSO, IF YOU NEED MORE INFO PLS CONTACT ME. AFTER THE FINAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERM PARTIAL DISABILITY I INCURRED IN THE ACCIDENT I FEEL THAT THIS CASE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. I AM AN ENGINEER AND AM SURE THE CORROSION CAUSED THE WHEEL DETACHMENT WHICH WAS DEFINITELY A PRODUCT DEFECT. ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE THE RECORDS OF INSPECTION AND SERVICE OF THE BRAKE INVOLVED WHICH CAUSED DETACHMENT OF MY WHEEL ONLY 5 MONTHS LATER AND IN LIGHT OF THE JEEP RECALLS. HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. THANKS. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ *TR INJURIES WERE FROM A PREVIOUS INCIDENT. UPDATED IVOQ 03/26/12 THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 99V340000. UPDATED 12/11/12
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGERS WHEEL FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A HUB DISK SEPARATION THAT CAUSED THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING AND AFTER IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED AND CLEANED BY BRAKE KING. SIMILAR TO THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE RECALL SINCE I OWNED ONE AND HAD THE HUB/DISC ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY STAINLESS STEEL ASSEMBLY. I WISH TO CONTINUE THIS INVESTIGATION SO THAT OTHERS ARE NOT INJURED HEAVEN FORBID. NOW I AM READY TO HANDLE THE CASE IN COURT AND AM PREPARING FOR THE TRIAL. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW TO DEFEND MY CASE AS THE ONES THAT WERE TRIED ON THE JEEP RECALL AND ACCIDENTS. ALSO, IF YOU NEED MORE INFO PLS CONTACT ME. AFTER THE FINAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERM PARTIAL DISABILITY I INCURRED IN THE ACCIDENT I FEEL THAT THIS CASE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. I AM AN ENGINEER AND AM SURE THE CORROSION CAUSED THE WHEEL DETACHMENT WHICH WAS DEFINITELY A PRODUCT DEFECT. ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE THE RECORDS OF INSPECTION AND SERVICE OF THE BRAKE INVOLVED WHICH CAUSED DETACHMENT OF MY WHEEL ONLY 5 MONTHS LATER AND IN LIGHT OF THE JEEP RECALLS. HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. THANKS. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ *TR INJURIES WERE FROM A PREVIOUS INCIDENT. UPDATED IVOQ 03/26/12 THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 99V340000. UPDATED 12/11/12
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .