3.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,500 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #2

Jul 012000

Cabrio 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 33,000 miles
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.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #1

Jul 292002

Cabrio 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 36,000 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.

- Vernon, CT, USA