1996 Volkswagen Cabrio recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Airbags (2), Engine (2), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Latches / locks (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
03/17/2016 · Airbags · crash
CAR INVOLVED IN FRONT END ACCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT AND PERSONAL INJURY WAS THE RESULT, THE CAR WAS TURNING LEFT ON CITY STREET AND WAS STRUCK IN RIGHT FRONT
08/06/2001 · Transmission / drivetrain
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL SURGE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. PROBLEM OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY IN WARMER WEATHER. *NOTE: TRANMISSION WAS REBUILT BY DEALERSHIP PREVIOUSLY FOR SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM.*AK
04/16/2001 · Airbags · crash
UPON LOW SPEED IMPACT, 5 MPH, BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS EXPANDED CAUSING MINOR BURNS AND 'CUTS' ON PASSENGER IN FRONT SEAT. SINCE ACCIDENT ON 03-25-01, THE DEALER HAS YET TO RECEIVE THE NEEDED REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS-TODAY'S DATE, 04-16-01. IN SPEAKING WITH VWOA'S ENGINEERING & PARTS DEPTS, THEY SAID DO NOT USUALLY STOCK ITEM IN US AND THAT THE AIRBAGS RESPONDED "COR…
05/12/2000 · Engine
FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR THE GAS MILEAGE WAS GROSSLY LOW SO EVERYTIME I TOOK IT IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE I WOULD HAVE THEM CHECK OUT THE FUEL SYSTEM NOTHING WAS EVER DONE AND THE GAS MILEAGE HAS NEVER GOTTEN BETTER NOW I HAVE APPROX. 42,000MI ON THE VEHICLE AND STILL HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE AND NO POWER II THOUGHT IT WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH IS COVE…
07/28/1998 · Engine
VEHICLE LEAKS GAS. GAS LEAK IS COMING FROM ENGINE AREA OF VEHICLE. ALSO VAVLE GASKET WAS REPLACED WHICH DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM. DELAERS THEN NOTED THAT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. *AK
10/27/1997 · Latches / locks
HOOD LATCH FAILED.
10/27/1997 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD SCRATCHED.