2002 Volkswagen Cabrio Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 13%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,840miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio, 13% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,840 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.
“My 2002 vw carbrio overheated and caused the engine to blow. Only after the engine blew and my car could not accelerate did the warning light come on. The dealership and vw said this was neglect and would not be covered under my warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10032973, filed 2003-08, 16,680 miles“The emissions light constantly stayed on, the dealer serviced the problem 3 times, however the problem continued to occur, the dealer stated it was a software problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10008891, filed 2003-02Related 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)
- 10158514Feb 27, 2019Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document
- 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…
- 10236436Feb 5, 2016Gasoline quality.
- 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…
- 10123013Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (HVAC, Unpleasant Odor): Unpleasant odor is coming from Heating and Ventilation system. Odor mainly occurs after vehicle has been sitting (unused) at least 5…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
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 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
9 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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