1999 Volkswagen Cabrio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Cabrio › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
29 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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…
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
- Power train › Clutch assembly
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…
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Suspension · Wheels
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…
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
- Steering
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.
- Suspension › Front › Hub
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…
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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…
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
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module · Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Flasher unit · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
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
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Parking brake · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
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…
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
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system · Vehicle speed control
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
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler · Service brakes, air › Antilock › Abs warning light · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery literally exploded upon turning the ignition key. *la
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Structure
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.…
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
- Structure
Beige convertable top discoloring and deterating. Tearing around rear window and turning a rust color.
- Air bags
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at 10mph on a flat surface engine had stalled and caused an accident. Dealer notified.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door
Both side door mouldings adhesive failed. reported to volkswagon and was advised that it happens a lot. they said they charge at least $100.00 for repairs. this IS a manufacturers defect that could be hazardous since failure occurs on the adhesive during driving and could injure someone.*ak
- Unknown or other
Vehicle caught on fire in the dashboard area while driving. *jg
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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…
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
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
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
- Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle continues to shut down in moving traffic. It's been at the dealer 6 times, for up to 7 days at a time and they have been unable to duplicate concern or diagnose problem. I feel it's a real safety issue when the car shuts down in moving traffic with no warning. car starts up after…
Vehicle continues to shut down in moving traffic. It's been at the dealer 6 times, for up to 7 days at a time and they have been unable to duplicate concern or diagnose problem. I feel it's a real safety issue when the car shuts down in moving traffic with no warning. car starts up after completely stopping, putting it in park turning the ignition off and restarting it. There are no warning signs. The problem appears to be in the electrical because the car looses all power. No lights on the dash, no power steering etc. What IS a reasonable lenght of time for this to be corrected?*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While entering a freeway at 40 mph vehicle died, and consumer coasted to side of road. consumer restarted, and vehicle took off. Took to dealer , and they could not duplicate that problem. on 06/23/01, vehicle died at 25 mph. took back to dealer, and they still could not duplicate problem. on july 3, 2001 vehicle died again while traveling at 15 mph. please provide any further information.*ak
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.
- 10252934key Adaptation and Part Number
- 10243050VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242388VW 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)
- 10239270Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014
- 10239262In SAGA, the time units for the Volkswagen DoubleCheck labor operation were reduced in error from 50 time units to 30 time units during the system update posted on July 4th.
- 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.
- 10237758If new keys cannot be adapted, they may possibly be the incorrect part number. Cabrio is equipped with two generations (Gen2 and Gen3) of Immobilizer 2. Use the Immobilizer Control Module Part Number to distinguish between Gen2 and Gen3.
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10236426Contacting the parts helpline
- 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.
- 10157832Update to model year applicability.
- 10157828Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10157306Update to model year applicability.
- 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
Every Volkswagen Cabrio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.