Cabrio (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 115 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Volkswagen Cabrio Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volkswagen Cabrio, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
On a used 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (18), the engine (12) and the cooling system (10). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio about the cooling system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio about the transmission and drivetrain.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio about the brakes.
Recalls (1)
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Alternatives in Compact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio complaints?
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system.
Is the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio have?
NHTSA has 77 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Cabrio?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Cabrio have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2002 Volkswagen Cabrio. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 77 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.