1997 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO
0 recalls, 20 complaints - 48 TSBs
No recalls found for this vehicle.
Complaint Statistics
20 total complaints
3 fires
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK | 2 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 1 |
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
May 15, 2013
Incident date: May 2, 2011
IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RETURN FROM STARTER POSITION -- BURNING OUT STARTER. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH 1997 A4 BUT WAS NEVER REPORTED/CARRIED OVER TO THE 1997 CABRIOLET. ALSO, KEY-IN-IGNITION-STATUS MAINTAINED EVEN AFTER KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION CAUSING BATTERY TO RUN DOWN. *TR
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 15, 2013
Incident date: May 2, 2011
IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RETURN FROM STARTER POSITION -- BURNING OUT STARTER. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH 1997 A4 BUT WAS NEVER REPORTED/CARRIED OVER TO THE 1997 CABRIOLET. ALSO, KEY-IN-IGNITION-STATUS MAINTAINED EVEN AFTER KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION CAUSING BATTERY TO RUN DOWN. *TR
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Jan 15, 2008
Incident date: Jan 14, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY VW CABRIO HOME LAST NIGHT THE HIGHLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS, HEATER FAN AND RADIO ALL SUDDENLY WENT OFF AND THE ABS FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND THE LIGHTS SUDDENLY CAME BACK ON AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE LAST FEW MILES HOME. I SPOKE TO A SERVICE MANAGER AT ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jan 15, 2008
Incident date: Jan 14, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY VW CABRIO HOME LAST NIGHT THE HIGHLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS, HEATER FAN AND RADIO ALL SUDDENLY WENT OFF AND THE ABS FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND THE LIGHTS SUDDENLY CAME BACK ON AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE LAST FEW MILES HOME. I SPOKE TO A SERVICE MANAGER AT ... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Sep 23, 2005
Incident date: Aug 3, 2005
CAR: 1997 VW CABRIO: AT 92.890 MILES, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON. VW DETERMINED, THIS WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING (RESISTANCE TOO HIGH). AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING WITHOUT CLOCKSPRING. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS
Jul 18, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 2001
1-2) I FOUND THE FOLLOWING RECALL FOR THE VW JETTA. THE DEFECTIVE HAZARD AND TURNSIGNAL PORTION OF THE RECALL HAS HAPPENED TO MY 1997 VW CABRIO HIGHLINE SINCE 2001 GETTING WORSE EACH YEAR. SEE BELOW, RECALL DATED DECEMBER 24, 2004. I HAVE NOT HAD A CONSEQUENCE DUE TO THIS, BUT I WOULD IMAGINE THAT M... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Nov 13, 2003
Incident date: Jan 1, 2003
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP RIPPED OPEN ON THE SEAM WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Jul 29, 2003
Incident date: Jul 4, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THE GAS TANK CRACKED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK. WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, GASOLINE SPILLED ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY FOR SAFETY. *PH *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Apr 4, 2002
Incident date: Jan 1, 2000
EXTREME EXHAUST INTRUSION INTO PASSANGER COMPARTMENT, INTO DEALER AND INDEPENDENT SHOPS MANY TIMES WITH NO RESULTS. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 15, 2001
Incident date: Aug 3, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT DECELERATE. HAD TO APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKES TO CONTROL VEHICLE. THEN, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. BUT, THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT HAD CAUSED THE SITUATION.*AK THE FLOOR MAT WAS CAUGHT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL A... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Aug 15, 2001
Incident date: Aug 3, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT DECELERATE. HAD TO APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKES TO CONTROL VEHICLE. THEN, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. BUT, THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT HAD CAUSED THE SITUATION.*AK THE FLOOR MAT WAS CAUGHT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL A... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Sep 18, 2000
Incident date: Feb 1, 1998
THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON, IT WAS SAID TO BE A BAD SENSOR ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND WAS REPLACED. SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY. THE WARRENTY HAD EXPIRED AND I HAVE NOT TAKEN CARE OF THE PROBLEM AS YET.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Sep 14, 2000
Incident date: Feb 1, 1998
THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON, IT WAS SAID TO BE A BAD SENSOR ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND WAS REPLACED. SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY. THE WARRENTY HAD EXPIRED AND I HAVE NOT TAKEN CARE OF THE PROBLEM AS YET.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 3, 2000
Incident date: Jan 23, 2000
MY VEHICLES ACCELERATOR CLIMBED FROM 55 MPH TO 95 MPH AND I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR FOR 15 MINUTES.IT COST ME APPROX $200 TO GET MY CAR "FIXED" AND I WANT THE DEALER TO REIMBURSE ME. *AK
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Sep 30, 1999
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, NEW UNIT SMELLS OF MILDEW. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Sep 1, 1999
Incident date: Aug 14, 1999
I'M NOT SURE IF THIS FALLS WITHIN YOUR AREA OR RESPONSIBILITY. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE PURCHASED BRAND-NEW, SHOULD HAVE BOTH THE ALTERNATOR AND RADIATOR FAN MOTOR FAIL SO SOON. I THOUGHT THIS MAY BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY INFO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Sep 1, 1999
Incident date: Aug 14, 1999
I'M NOT SURE IF THIS FALLS WITHIN YOUR AREA OR RESPONSIBILITY. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE PURCHASED BRAND-NEW, SHOULD HAVE BOTH THE ALTERNATOR AND RADIATOR FAN MOTOR FAIL SO SOON. I THOUGHT THIS MAY BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY INFO... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Sep 1, 1999
Incident date: Aug 14, 1999
I'M NOT SURE IF THIS FALLS WITHIN YOUR AREA OR RESPONSIBILITY. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE PURCHASED BRAND-NEW, SHOULD HAVE BOTH THE ALTERNATOR AND RADIATOR FAN MOTOR FAIL SO SOON. I THOUGHT THIS MAY BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY INFO... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Apr 29, 1999
Incident date: Apr 27, 1999
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN ENGINE - APPARENT SHORT IN STARTER WIRING
Fire
TIRES
Aug 20, 1998
Incident date: Nov 8, 1997
RIGHT REAR TIRE WALL BLEW OUT. DRIVER DID NOT HIT AN OBJECT. TIRE CUT GASH IN GASOLINE TANK AND CUT BRAKE LINE. FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO SCENE. NO FIRE RESULTED. VW DISCLAIMS ALL RESPONSIBILITY, BUT IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT A GAS TANK THAT CAN BE CUT THROUGH BY A BLOWN TIRE IS INADEQUATELY PRO... Read more
EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 26.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $2,800 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 29.0 | 24.0 | Regular | $2,550 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO
48 manufacturer communications from 35 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 7 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 5 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 |
| 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
| 061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION | 2 |
| 060000 ENGINE (PWS) | 2 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
V171901201285565
Aug 21, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285562
May 30, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560
Apr 24, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285534
May 11, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
SM 33-2019
Mar 27, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
TT 91 19 01
Mar 22, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
TT 91 19 01
Mar 22, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
V171901-2012855
Mar 12, 2019
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
V941901-2011521
Feb 18, 2019
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
TT 271002
Sep 14, 2017
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
TT 271002
Sep 14, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
V171701 2012855
Jul 5, 2017
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
17 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
SM 44-2017 EN
Jun 28, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
VHW-17-11
Jun 22, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
1-2017 Update
Feb 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
V691601 2010479
Oct 31, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update model year applicability to include 2017.
TT 97-12-02
Sep 23, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
Airbag
Jan 22, 2016
140000 AIR BAGS
Airbag Issues.
Elsa 6-29-15
Jun 29, 2015
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
Elsa 6-22-15
Jun 22, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech
Elsa 6-22-15
Jun 22, 2015
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech
TT 64-14-02
May 8, 2015
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engin
TT 64-14-02
May 8, 2015
132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engin
TT 64-14-02
May 8, 2015
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engin
TB171404
Sep 2, 2014
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
941403
Jun 4, 2014
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
TB001404
Apr 10, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
941402
Mar 6, 2014
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
TB001403
Jan 27, 2014
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
TB001403
Jan 27, 2014
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
TT641402
Jan 24, 2014
138220 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402
Jan 24, 2014
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402
Jan 24, 2014
116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402
Jan 24, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT 64-14-02
Jan 24, 2014
138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW
Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. This document informs of how to diagnose t
941401
Feb 14, 2011
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
2015831
Aug 28, 2008
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE
2015831
Aug 28, 2008
161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE
9918
Oct 29, 1999
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1580 (17988) AND P0103 (16487) STORED IN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE MEMORY. *TT
9805
Jun 22, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION ON MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *YC
9801
May 26, 1998
160000 STRUCTURE
INFORMATION ON INSTALLING A CARGO NET. *YC
9802
Feb 16, 1998
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
DISCONNECTING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG UNIT. *YC
9708209701A
Aug 20, 1997
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONCERNS WITH CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER, SOUND OUTPUT LOW OR DISTORTED, TAPES MAY BE DESTROYED. *YC
9708209701A
Aug 20, 1997
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
CONCERNS WITH CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER, SOUND OUTPUT LOW OR DISTORTED, TAPES MAY BE DESTROYED. *YC
9705309704A
May 30, 1997
105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
CONDITIONS WITH TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT IN/OUT OF REVERSE. *YC
9705309704A
May 30, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONDITIONS WITH TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT IN/OUT OF REVERSE. *YC
69 9703
May 22, 1997
141000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
A NEW FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG UNIT HAS BEEN INSTALLED. *AK
9703129702F
Mar 12, 1997
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NEW AIRBAG WARNING LABELS. *YC
NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE00033
Opened: Aug 10, 2000 , Closed: Dec 28, 2000
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO across all model years (1991, 2001).
7
Total Recalls
302
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
34
Reported Crashes
22
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.