1998 Volkswagen Cabrio
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Body, Seats & Latches
Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 8 of 21 complaints (38%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more crash reports (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 14 in 1997 to 21 in 1998.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | vs. 1998 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,700–2,850 | 2,600–2,850 | 2,600–2,850 | 2,600–2,850 | 2,600–2,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 22–23 | 22–24 | 22–24 | 22–24 | 22–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–20 / 26–28 | 19–21 / 26–29 | 19–21 / 26–28 | 19–21 / 26–28 | 19–21 / 26–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 386–404 | 370–404 | 370–404 | 370–404 | 370–404 | |
| Complaints filed | 6 | 14 | 21 | 29 | 16 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio?
Body, Seats & Latches: 8 of 21 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio get?
EPA rates it 22–24 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio?
EPA estimates $2,600–$2,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP · Campaign 02V026000 · Jan 26, 2002
Defect: 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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: 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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.