1998 Volkswagen Cabrio: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio: 1 recall, 21 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V026000 · 2002 · 487,284 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
The 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio has 21 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 11 Cabrio model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 17). Complaints peaked in 2004 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 85,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (14 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (29 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (7), visibility (wipers, glass) (5), transmission & drivetrain (4).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.