Fuel system
Free remedy
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.
Research · Subcompact Cars
1998 Volkswagen CabrioRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 21 owner complaints for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. Most complaints involve structure (6) and power train (4). The EPA rates it 22–24 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22–24mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jan 2002
Owner complaints
21
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
21 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 1999 – Nov 2009
- Structure6
- Power train4
- Visibility4
- Electrical system4
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Air bags3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
6 reports
“1998 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO GLS FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER HAS RUSTED AND NO LONGER CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *NJ THE CONSUMER HAD TO INCUR THE COST OF HAVING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD REPLACED AFTER THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED BECAUSE OF THE DEFORMITIES IN THE WINDSHIELD HEADER. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THEIR CONCLUSION WAS THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS NO LONGER SAFE ENOUGH TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A ROLL OVER SINCE THE FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT. THE SUPPORT WAS A STRUCTURAL ISSUE AND A VEHICLES FRAME SHOULD NOT RUST OUT.(LAWYER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF CLIENT) *JB”
Power train
4 reports2 crashes
“MANUFACTURER TOLD ME THAT THE CAR CAN LURCH FORWARD, FROM 1ST GEAR TO 3RD GEAR, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A BAD TRANSMISSION (CAR HAS ONLY 46,100 MILES, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY AND DEFECTIVE, AND SHOULD BE WARRANTY, AND REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER, EVEN IF THE CAR IS 7 YEARS OLD).*AK”
Visibility
4 reports2 crashes
“CONVERTIBLE TOP SHREDDING. HUGE RIPS ALL OVER IT. CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED IN CALIFORNIA. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD LIKE ME TO OBTAIN AN ATTORNEY OR PAY FOR HALF THE REPAIR COSTS. HOWEVER, THOSE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION WILL BE ABLE TO GET THEIRS REPLACED.*AK”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrio Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Cabrio Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1998 Cabrio questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio problems?
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (6), power train (4), visibility (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio at 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026