1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet Problems: 8 Complaints, 4 Recalls

The worst 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet problems

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

Airbags
5
Fuel system
3
Engine
1

Problems by type

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

Airbags
5
Fuel system
3
Engine
1

Recalls 4

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 14, 1992 · 358,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
Remedy: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.

Recall number 92V058000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported December 13, 1991 · 8,500 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The airbag harness wire may have been improperly routed through an opening in the dashboard crossmember and could be pinched and chafed between two panels eventually resulting in damage to the wire.
Risk: If the airbag harness wire is damaged, the passiverestraint system will become inoperative. The dashboard warning light willilluminate, but the passive restraint will not function until the wire isrepaired.
Remedy: Secure wire to the crossmember with a clip.

Recall number 91V215000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported November 18, 1991 · 51,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: A crack can develop in the fuel tank adjacent to a seam weld in the rear of the tank.
Risk: Fuel can leak from the cracked fuel tank which couldcatch fire in the presence of a source of ignition.
Remedy: Check vehicle with a specially designed tool for the presence of a fuel tank crack, and replace fuel tank if defect is found.

Recall number 91V201000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported September 11, 1991 · 11,300 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The center of the water separator panel located in the engine compartment between engine and firewall could bend in the event someone leans on it during engine maintenance, repairs or checking of fluid levels. A bent panel could interfere with the free movement of the accelerator linkage.
Risk: Interference with the free movement of the acceleratorlinkage could result in unwanted acceleration which may cause an accident.
Remedy: Install reinforcement bracket to secure separator panel.

Recall number 91V162000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet

Defect investigations

Heater core failureOpened December 9, 1991, closed June 12, 1992

There is no summary currently available

EA91054

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet 2

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

Aug 28, 2008 Service bulletinVolkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines
Jun 12, 2001 Service bulletinSubject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting

What 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 15, 2003 · Airbags · NY

Consumer never received a recall letter 91v215000 concerning the air bags. The manufacturer refused to send another letter to have the recall repairs performed. The air bag defect has occurred. *ak the air bag light illuminated which meant the air bag may not deploy in case of a collision. *ph

Filed Apr 9, 2002 · Fuel system · MA

Consumer received recall 91v201000 for fuel tank assembly. The vehicle is leaking gasoline. Dealership inspected vehicle, and problem wasn't solved. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed May 8, 2000 · Airbags · CA

After a turn, aribarg warnings lights turned on and wont turn off.

Filed Sep 30, 1999 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Vapors appear when consumer fills up vehicle. Also, consumer can only get a half tank of gas when filling up vehicle due to a shortage within the tank.

Filed Jun 24, 1999 · Fuel system · NJ

Gas tank failed prior to recall notice, resulting in leakage. (92v‑058). Mjs

Filed Feb 8, 1997 · Airbags · AZ

Defective air bag.

Filed Feb 20, 1996 · Airbags · NJ

While driving, airbag indicator light stays on continuously, due to airbag control unit malfunctioned, dlr/mfr won't assist. Tt

Filed Oct 26, 1995 · Airbags · CA

Air bag indicator light came on, airbag central control unit is defective and needs to be replaced. Tt

Compare the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet

Other model years

1990

Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet

Is the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet reliable?

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet, close to a typical Cabriolet model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet?

Airbags, with 5 complaints. Next is fuel system (3).

How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet have?

4 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, air bags and vehicle speed control.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 91V215000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history

1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet problems