VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO · model year

1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO

66 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1999VOLKSWAGENCABRIO carries 66 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 6 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1999 CABRIO is electrical system with 5 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (3) and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 1999 CABRIO, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

66
Complaints
6
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

66 filings

Crashes Reported

6 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP3
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
AIR BAGS2
STRUCTURE2
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)1
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE1

Recent Complaints

20210227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE FUZEBOX IN THIS CAR IS UNPROTECTED FROM WATER AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND ANY TIME WATER MAY LEAK INTO CAR. I PARKED MY CAR AND WHEN I WENT TO HER BACK IN IT A HOUR LATER IT WOULDN'T CRANK THAT'S WHEN WE DISCOVERED THE FUZE BOX WAS MELTED FROM GETTING TOO HOT DUE TO IT LEAKING THRU THE ANTENNA O TO THE RELAYS FILLING THEM WITH WATER AND THEN CAUSE A DRIP TO COME FROM RELAYS ONTO FUZE AND BURN OUT THE FUZE SLIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP WHICH CAUSED MY CAR NOT TO CRANK AT ALL. THIS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND COULD POTENTIALLY BE A HUGE PROBLEM

Mileage: 80,000

20120612POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND COAST TO A STOP. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE RETAINER CLIP ON THE END OF THE CABLE THAT SECURED IT TO THE CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT LEVER FAILED. . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 07/18/12

Mileage: 98,000

20111217CrashSUSPENSION

HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING AND AFTER IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED AND CLEANED BY BRAKE KING. SIMILAR TO THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE RECALL SINCE I OWNED ONE AND HAD THE HUB/DISC ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY STAINLESS STEEL ASSEMBLY. I WISH TO CONTINUE THIS INVESTIGATION SO THAT OTHERS ARE NOT INJURED HEAVEN FORBID. NOW I AM READY TO HANDLE THE CASE IN COURT AND AM PREPARING FOR THE TRIAL. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW TO DEFEND MY CASE AS THE ONES THAT WERE TRIED ON THE JEEP RECALL AND ACCIDENTS. ALSO, IF YOU NEED MORE INFO PLS CONTACT ME. AFTER THE FINAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERM PARTIAL DISABILITY I INCURRED IN THE ACCIDENT I FEEL THAT THIS CASE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. I AM AN ENGINEER

Mileage: 110,000

20111217CrashWHEELS

HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING AND AFTER IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED AND CLEANED BY BRAKE KING. SIMILAR TO THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE RECALL SINCE I OWNED ONE AND HAD THE HUB/DISC ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY STAINLESS STEEL ASSEMBLY. I WISH TO CONTINUE THIS INVESTIGATION SO THAT OTHERS ARE NOT INJURED HEAVEN FORBID. NOW I AM READY TO HANDLE THE CASE IN COURT AND AM PREPARING FOR THE TRIAL. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW TO DEFEND MY CASE AS THE ONES THAT WERE TRIED ON THE JEEP RECALL AND ACCIDENTS. ALSO, IF YOU NEED MORE INFO PLS CONTACT ME. AFTER THE FINAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERM PARTIAL DISABILITY I INCURRED IN THE ACCIDENT I FEEL THAT THIS CASE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. I AM AN ENGINEER

Mileage: 110,000

20111217CrashSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING AND AFTER IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED AND CLEANED BY BRAKE KING. SIMILAR TO THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE RECALL SINCE I OWNED ONE AND HAD THE HUB/DISC ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY STAINLESS STEEL ASSEMBLY. I WISH TO CONTINUE THIS INVESTIGATION SO THAT OTHERS ARE NOT INJURED HEAVEN FORBID. NOW I AM READY TO HANDLE THE CASE IN COURT AND AM PREPARING FOR THE TRIAL. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW TO DEFEND MY CASE AS THE ONES THAT WERE TRIED ON THE JEEP RECALL AND ACCIDENTS. ALSO, IF YOU NEED MORE INFO PLS CONTACT ME. AFTER THE FINAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERM PARTIAL DISABILITY I INCURRED IN THE ACCIDENT I FEEL THAT THIS CASE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. I AM AN ENGINEER

Mileage: 110,000

20110127STEERING

THIS HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITH THIS CAR. WHEN I HIT A PATCH OF WATER, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP TEMPORARILY AND I'M UNABLE TO MANEUVER. IF I'M ON A CORNER I HAVE TO HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 128,000

20100527CrashSUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGERS WHEEL FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A HUB DISK SEPARATION THAT CAUSED THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000

Mileage: 105,000

20070403ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LIGHT MAL-FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE TOTAL MELT DOWN OF ALL THE LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 14, 2006 WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MY STATE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THE GARAGE USED AUTHENTIC VW PARTS FROM A DEALERSHIP DOWN THE ROAD. MY CABIO HAS THE GOLF CHASSIS BUT CALLED THE CABRIO WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE VERSION. ALL MY CAR CARE BOOKS ADDRESS THE GOLF VERSION. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHY VW WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS SAME REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTICES ARE JUST GOING OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2006. *JB

Mileage: 108,932

20070403EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LIGHT MAL-FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE TOTAL MELT DOWN OF ALL THE LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 14, 2006 WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MY STATE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THE GARAGE USED AUTHENTIC VW PARTS FROM A DEALERSHIP DOWN THE ROAD. MY CABIO HAS THE GOLF CHASSIS BUT CALLED THE CABRIO WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE VERSION. ALL MY CAR CARE BOOKS ADDRESS THE GOLF VERSION. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHY VW WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS SAME REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTICES ARE JUST GOING OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2006. *JB

Mileage: 108,932

20070403EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LIGHT MAL-FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE TOTAL MELT DOWN OF ALL THE LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 14, 2006 WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN MY STATE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THE GARAGE USED AUTHENTIC VW PARTS FROM A DEALERSHIP DOWN THE ROAD. MY CABIO HAS THE GOLF CHASSIS BUT CALLED THE CABRIO WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE VERSION. ALL MY CAR CARE BOOKS ADDRESS THE GOLF VERSION. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHY VW WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS SAME REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTICES ARE JUST GOING OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2006. *JB

Mileage: 108,932

20070228VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

Mileage: 33,000

20070228ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

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

Mileage: 33,000

20070228ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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

Mileage: 33,000

20070228EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

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

Mileage: 33,000

20060201FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE FUEL LINE FRACTURED. THE RESULT OF THE FAILURE WAS GAS LEAKING WHILE IN MOTION. THE CONTACT NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON ARRIVING AT THE RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE LEAK WAS IDENTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN ROUTE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS.

Mileage: 80,000

20050219AIR BAGS

MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK

Mileage: 42,100

20050219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK

Mileage: 42,100

20050219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK

Mileage: 42,100

20050219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK

Mileage: 42,100

20050219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO FAIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE DIRECTIONALS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEATER DID NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALERSHIP IN MA THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS CAUSED THE SWITCHING GEAR AND OTHER VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY CAR TO MALFUNCTION. AFTER INFORMING THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE AROUND $1,000.00 I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES ONLY TO BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY VW 1999 CABRIO IS NOTORIOUS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER MAKES OF THE VW LINE TO HAVE FAULTY AND PROBLEMATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS TOLD, "SORRY THIS IS NOT A COVERED ITEM" THERE ARE VARIOUS RESOURCES OUT THERE TO LEARN THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS TO THE CONSUMER OF THEIR CARS. WHEN YOU PAY $35000 FOR A CAR YOU EXPECT IT TO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE 50K MILES. *AK

Mileage: 42,100

Compare 1999VOLKSWAGENCABRIO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO have?
The 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO has 66 NHTSA complaints, 6 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO?
The most-complained component for the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP.
Is the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.