Research · Subcompact Cars
2002 Volkswagen CabrioRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio. Most complaints involve electrical system (9) and engine and engine cooling (5). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
23–24mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
30
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
30 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2002 – Jan 2018
- Electrical system9
- Engine and engine cooling5
- Power train4
- Air bags4
- Visibility3
- Exterior lighting3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Tires2
- Structure2
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
Electrical system
9 reports1 crash3 fires
“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 *TR”
Engine and engine cooling
5 reports
“OIL LIGHT CAME ON REPEATEDLY DUE TO OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM, WHICH IS A KNOWN DEFECT. VW DID NOT COVER, DUE TO EXPIRED WARRANTY. *JB”
Power train
4 reports1 crash
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CLUTCH FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE CLUTCH FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,600. UPDATED 06/09/08 *BF UPDATED 06/09/08”
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 | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg 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
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 4689
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.
2002 Cabrio questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio problems?
Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (9), engine and engine cooling (5), power train (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026