1998 Volkswagen Cabrio Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 14%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio, 14% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 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.
“I do not have with me now the exact date information, however, I have documentation at home that I can review and update information if needed. I have had to have this vehicle in the shop now several times for both a transmission problem (failure to accelerate) and because the entire muffler came apart. I have taken to the dealership on repeated occassions and have not to date had this problem fixed. I have contacted Volkswagen and the bbb. I would like to know if there have been similiar compliants with either this vehicle (Cabrio or golf)? Recalls? Technical bulletins?”
NHTSA complaint #712915, filed 1999-10Related service bulletins
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10237427May 30, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Apr 24, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10193577May 11, 2021Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10133344Jul 5, 201717 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils…
- 10123015Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10026848Aug 28, 2008Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. Heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 5 | 13% |
| 2000 | 2 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 21% |
| 1998 | 3 | 14% |
| 1997 | 2 | 14% |
| 1996 | 2 | 33% |
| 1995 | 4 | 27% |
| 1993 | 2 | 25% |
| 1992 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsAir bags
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