1998 Volkswagen Cabrio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Cabrio › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Owner complaints
21 complaints4 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members
1998 volkswagen cabrio GLS front windshield header has rusted and no longer capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle. *nj the consumer had to incur the cost of having the front windshield replaced after the front windshield cracked because of the deformities in the windshield header. The…
1998 volkswagen cabrio GLS front windshield header has rusted and no longer capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle. *nj the consumer had to incur the cost of having the front windshield replaced after the front windshield cracked because of the deformities in the windshield header. The vehicle was examined by an auto repair shop and their conclusion was that the front windshield was no longer safe enough to protect the occupants in the event of a roll over since the frame had rusted out. The support was a structural issue and a vehicles frame should not rust out.(lawyer wrote in on behalf of client) *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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…
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
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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
- Electrical system
1) no known event leading to this radio system failure. 2) radio suddenly and inexplicably moved from normal 'on' to maximum blaring volume with no one touching it... And could not be changed, turned off, or altered in any way. radio controls had no effect, even turning off the auto and…
1) no known event leading to this radio system failure. 2) radio suddenly and inexplicably moved from normal 'on' to maximum blaring volume with no one touching it... And could not be changed, turned off, or altered in any way. radio controls had no effect, even turning off the auto and removing the keys did not shut off radio. driving suddenly became dangerous and nearly impossible as the noise was deafening and totally distracting. I could not hear my teenage son in the seat next to me (not necessarily a bad thing)... But could see well enough that he was laughing his head off (an annoying irriatation that did not help!) :) after 15 - 20 minutes and some miles of tortured driving, the radio went silent on it' s own. 3) no corrective action taken yet. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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
- Back over prevention › Warnings › External/pedestrian alert · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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…
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
- Structure › Body
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
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Structure › Body › Roof and pillars · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Vehicle would not crank, dealer stated the battery had failed. *slc
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
My tan-vinyl convertible top begin to chemically break-down after 3 1/2 years of owning the car. I was told by VW of america that I was past my warranty and there IS nothing they can do. The top continues to deteriorate over time. I have found 15 other 1998 cabrio owners who have experienced the…
My tan-vinyl convertible top begin to chemically break-down after 3 1/2 years of owning the car. I was told by VW of america that I was past my warranty and there IS nothing they can do. The top continues to deteriorate over time. I have found 15 other 1998 cabrio owners who have experienced the same problem. All these 98 cabrios were manufactured at the volkswagen de mexico plant between 11/97 and 10/98 and have all exhibited the same problems after exposure to the weather and the sun. VW told me when I purchased my car that the top would be good for over 150,000 miles and I was recently told my a vinyl manufacturer that the material VW uses on the cabrios should last at least 10 years. The pobrlem IS not simply an aesthetic issue. Many owners tops have begun to rip and the glass in the back of the top IS coming out. Even my top has begun to tear. Chemical experts say something that was used on the top during production has caused the polymers to leech out of the pvc in the vinyl with exposure to sunlight. And as the vinyl continues to weaken we have less material keeping out weather conditions. In addition, in the event of an accident the top will not provide any barrier for dirvers and passengers. This IS a serious issue . I eventually went to my local dealership, seacoast VW, and they looked the car over as did the VW district manager and they offered me 50 percent towards the top reaplacement. So I would have to pay $600 out of my pocket for a defect that originated with VW. I have various and numerous documneted info of the problem, which I can provide you with if needed. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.*ak
- Tires
Screw secured factory wheel weights create leaks in cold weather when tires cold causing raqpid deflatiion and separation from rim. Thought it was a freak accident until it happened for the third time causing loss of control (right rear wheel) and exit from highway. Tire disintegrates from heat within 10 seconds. This has happened on three original tires with these weights.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
While driving headlights cut off and on and so did the windshield wipers. dealer said it was due to ignition switch. *ak
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Dealership did not remove shipping cover tabs from convertible top, causing black marks on vinyl top, and major water leakage
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Front › Retractor
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Power train › Automatic transmission
I do not have with me now the exact date information, however, I have documentation at home that I can review and update information if needed. I have had to have this vehicle in the shop now several times for both a transmission problem (failure to accelerate) and because the entire muffler came…
I do not have with me now the exact date information, however, I have documentation at home that I can review and update information if needed. I have had to have this vehicle in the shop now several times for both a transmission problem (failure to accelerate) and because the entire muffler came apart. I have taken to the dealership on repeated occassions and have not to date had this problem fixed. I have contacted volkswagen and the bbb. I would like to know if there have been similiar compliants with either this vehicle (cabrio or golf)? recalls? Technical bulletins?
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Structure › Body
Radio out of order. yh
- Air bags · Power train › Clutch assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Vehicle speed control · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
No summary
- Air bags · Parking brake › Conventional · Power train › Clutch assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Clutch inhibitor relay was faulty--car would not start and had it towed to dealership to fix, passenger seatbelt has been replaced 3 times already, ABS light came on 4 days before accident took car into chapman's to be fixed but when I went to stop at a light I pressed on breaks and it slowed a…
Clutch inhibitor relay was faulty--car would not start and had it towed to dealership to fix, passenger seatbelt has been replaced 3 times already, ABS light came on 4 days before accident took car into chapman's to be fixed but when I went to stop at a light I pressed on breaks and it slowed a little bit, and it didn't seem to very much so I then pressed harder and the car did not stop resulting in hitting the vehicle in front of me, passenger side mirror defroster inop, lack of power when shifting into 1, 2, and 3RD gear, finally get power when going about 60mph, e-brake would stick and could not get it down, when put into reverse, it would pop out of gear,
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank puncture
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on august 10, 2000 based on 9 reports regarding punctured fuel tanks involving the jetta, passat, and cabrio models.the reports indicate additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation.this investigation has been upgraded for further study.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10238572Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10228180Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- 10228178Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10193577Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10175799Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
- 10159016Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10159014Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10158533Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10158529Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10157828Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10157302Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10133469Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
- 1013334417 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10128105This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128104This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128055This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10127969Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
- 10126861Update to model year applicability.
- 10126785Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- 10124348Technical Bulletin (Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials): This doucment contains a list of components and applications developed to repair concerns of squeaks, rattles, noise and trim fit conditions.
- 10124287Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on their inner surfaces, depending on humidity and other climatic changes. This document discusses necessary to diagnosis, and potential remedy of the issue.
Every Volkswagen Cabrio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.