1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet: 4 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #91V162000 · 1991 · 11,300 vehicles
What's wrong: The center of the water separator panel located in the engine compartment between engine and firewall could bend in the event someone leans on it during engine maintenance, repairs or checking of fluid levels. A bent panel could interfere with the free movement of the accelerator linkage.
Why it matters: Interference with the free movement of the acceleratorlinkage could result in unwanted acceleration which May cause an accident.
The fix: Install reinforcement bracket to secure separator panel.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #91V201000 · 1991 · 51,000 vehicles
What's wrong: A crack can develop in the fuel tank adjacent to a seam weld in the rear of the tank.
Why it matters: Fuel can leak from the cracked fuel tank which couldcatch fire in the presence of a source of ignition.
The fix: Check vehicle with a specially designed tool for the presence of a fuel tank crack, and replace fuel tank if defect is found.
Airbags Vehicle recall #91V215000 · 1991 · 8,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The airbag harness wire May have been improperly routed through an opening in the dashboard crossmember and could be pinched and chafed between two panels eventually resulting in damage to the wire.
Why it matters: If the airbag harness wire is damaged, the passiverestraint system will become inoperative. The dashboard warning light willilluminate, but the passive restraint will not function until the wire isrepaired.
The fix: Secure wire to the crossmember with a clip.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #92V058000 · 1992 · 358,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine May shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
The fix: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Fuel system (3): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Equipment (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
Complaints peaked in 1999 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old.
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (5), fuel system (3), equipment (1).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.