2002 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
- 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (11), Engine (6), Lights (4), Transmission / drivetrain (4), Airbags (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/11/2018 · Electrical system
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…
08/19/2014 · Steering · fire
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 REPLAC…
09/30/2013 · Electrical system
ENGINE COIL SUDDENLY WENT BAD. HAD PRIOR REPAIR. *LN
10/10/2012 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
2002 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. CONSUMER STATES THE REAR WINDOW FELL OUT *TGW 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.
06/20/2011 · Brakes · fire
TL* 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…
12/13/2010 · Brakes
TL*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. T…
11/22/2010 · Electrical system
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…
01/03/2010 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL UP. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR. IT COMPLETELY FAILED ONCE IT BROKE AND THE WINDOW REMAINED OPEN. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE NO SECURITY AND UNSAFE. THIS WEEK THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DID THE SAME THING AFTER I PAID FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE TO BE REPAIRED. *TR