1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 100%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the fuel system of the 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet, 100% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“Vehicle had a wet substance on the ground. Consumer took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and the leak was determined to be gas. There was a crack in the gas tank. Contact was made with the manufacturer to determine if the vehicle was serviced on a recall. Manufacturer told consumer to take the vehicle to the dealer to determine if repairs will be at consumer's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10115379, filed 2005-03, 125,000 miles“Recall # 94v065000: fuel tank: after the recall work was performed, the gas tank started to leak. Dealer stated to consumer that he would have to pay $700.00 dollars to replace the fuel pump and accumulator. Consumer did not have a problem with fuel tank before recall work was completed.”
NHTSA complaint #856394, filed 2000-02“Recall # 94v065000 fuel: fuel tank assembly: tank; after recall work was performed, fuel tank starting to leak. Dealer stated to consumer that it could cost $700.00 to replace fuel pump and accumulator. Fuel tank was not leaking when vehicle was taken to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #856626, filed 2000-02“Fuel is leaking from the fuel tank. The dealer will fix at the owners expense. Two recalls were issued related to this failure, 94v-065000 and 91v-201000. The dealer indicated that no recalls were issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10039870, filed 2003-11“The contact owns a 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet. The contact smelled gasoline while sitting in the vehicle. She took the vehicle to a Volkswagen repair shop. The contact found a recall for her year, make, and model vehicle, but was informed that the recall did not apply to her VIN. The contact believes that her vehicle should be covered under the recall because she is experiencing the same defect. The transmission type, recall number, and mileages were unavailable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221871, filed 2008-03Related recalls
- 94V065000Apr 8, 1994A crack can develop in the fuel tank adjacent to a seam weld in the rear of the tank.Covers: Volkswagen Cabriolet 1987–1989
- 91V201000Nov 18, 1991A crack can develop in the fuel tank adjacent to a seam weld in the rear of the tank.Covers: Volkswagen Cabriolet 1987–1990, Scirocco 1987–1988
Fuel system: other model years
← All problems reported for the 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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