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2002 Volkswagen Cabrio problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio is electrical system, typically around 50,213 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Cabrio model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
84/100
Owner complaints
23
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
143
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
23-24mpg

The worst 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    9
  • Airbags
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Lights
    4
  • Brakes
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    9
  • Airbags
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Lights
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 143

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 143 bulletins for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD20-2127-2823-24

What 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 11, 2018 · Electrical, Visibility · 44,375 miles · FL

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

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 50,213 miles · NJ · fire

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.

Filed Sep 30, 2013 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · SC

Engine coil suddenly went bad. Had prior repair.

Filed Oct 10, 2012 · Visibility · NY

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.

Filed Jun 20, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 28,000 miles · IN · fire

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.

Filed Dec 13, 2010 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Nov 22, 2010 · Electrical · 108,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jan 3, 2010 · Visibility · 75,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed May 31, 2008 · Electrical · NY

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 federal safety agency campaign# 04v584000 - the same problems other vw models of the same year had.

Filed Apr 16, 2008 · Lights · DC

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.

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Questions about the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio reliable?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio, fewer than a typical Cabrio model year.

What is the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio year score?

The 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Cabrio: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio?

Electrical system, with 9 complaints, typically around 50,213 miles. Next is airbags (4).

How many recalls does the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio range from 23 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-21 city and 27-28 highway.

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