There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio, but owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Volkswagen Cabrio problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Visibility | 3 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 53,900 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · at 50,213 miles · reported Aug 19, 2014
While driving this vehicle it just stopped would not start. Went to lift the hood it was hot and it seems to have had a fire. At a vw dealer for over 2 wks and they still can't figure it out. So far they said it appears engine harness fire had started at the starter and this part is discontinued there is a repair kit. Vw claims a lot of items must be replaced and that is not going to guarantee it will solve the problem. You would think you send it to a dealer and they could fix it but I guess not because they called me to tell me all they did so far has not solved the problem. I purchased this…
Visibility · reported Oct 10, 2012
2002 volkswagen cabrio. Consumer states the rear window fell out the consumer stated it appeared, her model year was the only year, where the windows were glued in, instead of sealed, in the convertible tops.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 28,000 miles · reported Jun 20, 2011
The contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio convertible. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting a turn when the vehicle stalled with the intermittent illumination of the ABS warning light. Smoke began pouring from under the hood and the vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer. The technicians replaced the starter and the fuel filter yet the failure continued after the repairs. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition was replaced. The mechanic stated that there was a shortage in the computer and hydraulic pump of the ABS system. The…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 60,000 miles · reported Dec 13, 2010
The contact owns a 2002 volkswagen cabrio. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact pushed on the brakes to stop the vehicle when the brake pedal felt as if it was pulled down to the floor and the tires locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Electrical System · at 108,000 miles · reported Nov 22, 2010
2002 vw cabrio convertible, when it rains the lights, electrical locks and dome lights turn on and off, the whole electrical lighting and electronic switch failure occurs. Like the care is possessed, I called volkswagen and they said this is not a safety issue, however have you ever driven a car at night with the lights inside and out going on and off. Now I have to manually turn everything on and off, this is not the vehicle guarantee that I bought into. I believe this should be fixed as it is a real hazard on the road, however volkswagen thinks differently since there is no recall. All of…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (10 reports), followed by exterior lighting (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 53,900 miles.
Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.