2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Cabrio › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
23 complaints3 involved a crash3 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio. On august 29, 2017, the vehicle was taken to the dealer (david maus volkswagen, 1050 lee rd, orlando, fl 32810) for routine maintenance. The contact returned on september 13, 2017 to retrieve the vehicle and noticed that the air conditioner was no…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio. On august 29, 2017, the vehicle was taken to the dealer (david maus volkswagen, 1050 lee rd, orlando, fl 32810) for routine maintenance. The contact returned on september 13, 2017 to retrieve the vehicle and noticed that the air conditioner was no longer working. The contact informed the technician that the air conditioner was not working like it was before the routine maintenance was performed. The vehicle was left at the dealer for another day to find out what was causing the failure. The following day, the dealer diagnosed that there was a blockage that caused the failure and would cost approximately $400 to repair. The contact stated that the staff became very aggressive. The contact requested to have a second opinion from an independent mechanic, for which a letter had to be written and approved by the service director. The contact was informed that the request was denied. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The vehicle had not been removed from the dealer since august 29, 2017. There were no recalls associated with the vin. The failure mileage was 44,375. *Tt *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
While driving this vehicle it just stopped would not start. Went to lift the hood it was hot and it seems to have had a fire. At a VW dealer for over 2 wks and they still can't figure it out. So far they said it appears engine harness fire had started at the starter and this part IS discontinued…
While driving this vehicle it just stopped would not start. Went to lift the hood it was hot and it seems to have had a fire. At a VW dealer for over 2 wks and they still can't figure it out. So far they said it appears engine harness fire had started at the starter and this part IS discontinued there IS a repair kit. VW claims a lot of items must be replaced and that IS not going to guarantee it will solve the problem. You would think you send it to a dealer and they could fix it but I guess not because they called me to tell me all they did so far has not solved the problem. I purchased this car for my daughter in march 2014 with 50,000. Miles. I know this IS my first and last VW I will own. *tr
- Electrical system
Engine coil suddenly went bad. had prior repair. *ln
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
2002 volkswagen cabrio. Consumer states the rear window fell out *tgw the consumer stated it appeared, her model year was the only year, where the windows were glued in, instead of sealed, in the convertible tops.
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio convertible. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph and attempting a turn when the vehicle stalled with the intermittent illumination of the ABS warning light. Smoke began pouring from under the hood and the vehicle was towed to the nearest…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio convertible. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph and attempting a turn when the vehicle stalled with the intermittent illumination of the ABS warning light. Smoke began pouring from under the hood and the vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer. the technicians replaced the starter and the fuel filter yet the failure continued after the repairs. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition was replaced. The mechanic stated that there was a shortage in the computer and hydraulic pump of the ABS system. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact pushed on the brakes to stop the vehicle when the brake pedal felt as if it was pulled down to the floor and the tires locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Electrical system
2002 VW cabrio convertible, when it rains the lights, electrical locks and dome lights turn on and off, the whole electrical lighting and electronic switch failure occurs. Like the care IS possessed, I called volkswagen and they said this IS not a safety issue, however have you ever driven a car at…
2002 VW cabrio convertible, when it rains the lights, electrical locks and dome lights turn on and off, the whole electrical lighting and electronic switch failure occurs. Like the care IS possessed, I called volkswagen and they said this IS not a safety issue, however have you ever driven a car at night with the lights inside and out going on and off. Now I have to manually turn everything on and off, this IS not the vehicle guarantee that I bought into. I believe this should be fixed as it IS a real hazard on the road, however volkswagen thinks differently since there IS no recall. All of the VW mechanics in my area are very aware of this issue and it will cost over 3000.00 to fix everything including the alarm that IS no longer functional due to the electrical issue that this car has. I have been trying for a year or so to see if they will fix this issue so now I am just going to file a complaint to see if you can help in getting the issue fixed before someone gets killed in this car. *Tr
- Visibility
The passenger side window would not roll up. I was told it was the window regulator. it completely failed once it broke and the window remained open. the consequences are no security and unsafe. this week the driver's side window did the same thing after I paid for the passenger side to be repaired. *Tr
- Electrical system
I own a 2002 volkswagen cabrio, manufactured by volkswagen of america, inc. my turn signal and hazard flasher have stopped functioning. initially it was intermittent, but it has finally stopped working. Fuses have been checked. it's exactly like the nhtsa campaign# 04v584000 - the same problems other VW models of the same year had. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
2002 volkswagen cabrio experiencing recall symptoms. Consumer states that her turn signal and hazard flashers have stopped functioning. She stated that it was intermittent at first. She would like to know if her vehicle falls under the recall. *kb recall # 04v584000. *Jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio. while driving 60 mph, the clutch failed. the contact pulled off the freeway and parked the vehicle. the vehicle was seen by the dealer prior to the clutch failure. the current and failure mileages were 90,600. updated 06/09/08 *bf updated 06/09/08
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
I have aa2002 VW cabriolet and the air bag light went on. the diagnostic test showed it was the driver side airbag and harness. after the part was in, while waiting to leave the vehicle the service consultant was on the phone describing the same problem, same airbag to another VW customer. When I…
I have aa2002 VW cabriolet and the air bag light went on. the diagnostic test showed it was the driver side airbag and harness. after the part was in, while waiting to leave the vehicle the service consultant was on the phone describing the same problem, same airbag to another VW customer. When I asked the service consultant if there was a problem known to VW on their airbags he said no. The woman waiting behind me said the same happened to her VW. the cost for the diagnosis and repair was $690.48. *tr
- Air bags
Airbag system in VW cabrio failed (failure warning light came on) just after vehicle had passed warranty period. volkswagen of america (elizabeth gwynn at corporate headquarters in rochester hills mi) stated through two subordinates that airbag systems are not warranted beyond any other items even…
Airbag system in VW cabrio failed (failure warning light came on) just after vehicle had passed warranty period. volkswagen of america (elizabeth gwynn at corporate headquarters in rochester hills mi) stated through two subordinates that airbag systems are not warranted beyond any other items even though these systems are allegedly designed to last the life of the car. the statement (from mr. Eric nevins) was that safety items are not worth any special or extended coverage and that safety IS not the manufacturer's responsibility beyond a basic warranty. we have had our dealer do the needed repairs on this major safety item. this IS not a dealer issue. the manufacturer (per gwynn and subordinates) has specifically stated that it takes no further responsibility for vehicle safety even a single mile after the basic warranty, which covers non-critical parts. *nm
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Flasher unit · Service brakes, air › Antilock · Tires · Unknown or other
Purchsed vehicle new.. Have returned it various times for engine light - first time was six months after it was purchased. so far I have had the engine sensor gauge replaced twice, a gas sensor replaced once, the O2 sensor replaced twice. I too have had to take my car in three times for the rear…
Purchsed vehicle new.. Have returned it various times for engine light - first time was six months after it was purchased. so far I have had the engine sensor gauge replaced twice, a gas sensor replaced once, the O2 sensor replaced twice. I too have had to take my car in three times for the rear lights malfunctioning - the last time the repair technician 'missed' a wiring issue; the vinyl near the power window controls IS peeling off for the second time (first time VW replaced at no cost after I complained to VW american); with just 45000 miles on the vehicle I have replaced the brakes (at my expense at 22000 miles) and have replaced the tires. in the three years since I purchased my car it has been in the shop at least a dozen times not counting the 5000 mile oil changes. all work has been documented so that I can prove that the vehicle has been properly maintained.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting › Headlights · Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Multiple problems with rear tail lights. Check engine light keeps coming on but dealer could not find anything wrong.*ak
- Tires
However the car IS made, it kills the tires. Today I will be buying my second tire in two years. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Driver's airbag did not deploy with an impact of 30-35 miles per hour and $6,000 damage to the front end. it was a rear-end collision. the passenger airbag deployed. we are concerned that the driver's side did not.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
My 2002 VW carbrio overheated and caused the engine to blow. only after the engine blew and my car could not accelerate did the warning light come on. the dealership and VW said this was neglect and would not be covered under my warranty.*ak
- Seats
I was driving home from a weekend away, I was on I95 north near mile marker 120.00 traveling about 15-20mph when traffic came to a complete stop, I made a complete stop and the car behind me hit me goin gabout 15mph and pushed me into the SUV in front of me the first impact pushed my passenger and…
I was driving home from a weekend away, I was on I95 north near mile marker 120.00 traveling about 15-20mph when traffic came to a complete stop, I made a complete stop and the car behind me hit me goin gabout 15mph and pushed me into the SUV in front of me the first impact pushed my passenger and myself forward and then the second impact of us hitting the SUV in front of us pushed us back...both of our seats gave way and we were in lying postions. we hadent even realized what had happened until we sat up from the lying postion. I am assumming that the seats broke and thats why they gave way, I dont think that that IS a safety feature and should be addressed as soon as possible. I was driving a 2002 VW cabrio glx.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door
The driver and passenger doors failed to lock. *ak on another occasion when little pressure was applied to the door, it opened while the consumer was driving. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
The emissions light constantly stayed on, the dealer serviced the problem 3 times, however the problem continued to occur, the dealer stated it was a software problem. *jb
- Electrical system · Interior lighting · Structure › Body › Door
The trunk light was inoperative. *jg on one occasion the passenger power lock had become inoperative, and on another occasion, the power locks, electric mirrors, seat heating, cruise control, and power windows had become inoperative. *scc *scc
- Air bags › Frontal · Electrical system › Wiring
Vehicle hit rear of a trailer at 20-30 mph. Upon impact, neither air bag deployed. vehicle bursted into flames several minutes after impact. please describe details. *ak
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.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252934key Adaptation and Part Number
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243050VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242388VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW 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
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240605P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 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)
- 10239534HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239532HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239403If key blade is found to stick or bind when opening or closing, check position of roll pin that secures key blade to mechanism. If roll pin is sticking out on either side (as shown below), do not replace key. Instead, use appropriate sized punch and hammer to drive in the roll pin so that it is flush with edge of mechanism.
- 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.
- 10239209Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10239202Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10238972The use of tire dressing gives your tires that shiny finish that completes the image of a clean (new) vehicle. There are many different tire dressing products available. When choosing a product please pay close attention to its contents. Always use a water based product.
- 10238960To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
Every Volkswagen Cabrio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.