1998 Volkswagen Cabrio Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 19%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio, 19% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1) no known event leading to this radio system failure. 2) radio suddenly and inexplicably moved from normal 'on' to maximum blaring volume with no one touching it... And could not be changed, turned off, or altered in any way. Radio controls had no effect, even turning off the auto and removing the keys did not shut off radio. Driving suddenly became dangerous and nearly impossible as the noise was deafening and totally distracting. I could not hear my teenage son in the seat next to me (not necessarily a bad thing)... …”
NHTSA complaint #10088869, filed 2004-08, 90,000 miles“After one year, the top started developing black marks, the marks do not come off with soap and water, the top also started turning orange and became sticky, the dealer stated the problem was sun damage, however the vehicle was mostly kept in a garage, the top is now ripping near the back window, vw stated they will pay for half of the repair costs, consumer feels they should be for 100 percent.”
NHTSA complaint #566623, filed 2002-07“Ignition switch operates intermittently, causing failure of electrical functions. A private mechanic has diagnosed the problem, and was making repairs. Please provide any additional information / attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #897162, filed 2001-10Related service bulletins
- 10228178Dec 6, 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10158529Feb 19, 2019Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10133469Nov 10, 2017Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
- 10157828Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech 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…
- 10121265Mar 12, 2015Technical Bulletin: Battery, Discharged, Diagnosis for Excessive Static Current Draw
- 10121196Feb 16, 2015Technical Bulletin: Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000VAS Charger
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9 | 39% |
| 2001 | 7 | 18% |
| 2000 | 2 | 13% |
| 1999 | 10 | 34% |
| 1998 | 4 | 19% |
| 1997 | 4 | 29% |
| 1995 | 2 | 13% |
| 1993 | 2 | 25% |
| 1992 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology