1997 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
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (4), Engine (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Brakes (2), Air (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/15/2013 · Electrical system · fire
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
01/15/2008 · Electrical system
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 VW TODAY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND IT TURNS OUT IT IS AN ELECT…
09/23/2005 · Airbags
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
07/18/2005 · Lights
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 MY CAR COULD BE HIT FROM BEHIND WITHOUT HAZARDS OR TURNSIGNA…
11/13/2003 · Body / structure
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP RIPPED OPEN ON THE SEAM WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *LA
08/15/2003 · Fuel system
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
03/31/2002 · Engine
EXTREME EXHAUST INTRUSION INTO PASSANGER COMPARTMENT, INTO DEALER AND INDEPENDENT SHOPS MANY TIMES WITH NO RESULTS. *AK
08/15/2001 · Vehicle Speed Control
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 AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO DECELERATE, THIS WAS ACCORDING…