1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet problems

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1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet

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Common 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet problems

The Volkswagen Cabriolet, produced in 1986, is known for several common problems that car owners have reported over the years. These issues range from fuel injection problems to transmission failures and stalling at idle.

One of the most frequently reported problems with the 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet is related to fuel injection issues.

Another common problem with the 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet is related to the transmission. Some owners have reported that the car moves in reverse but not in drive, indicating a possible slipping or malfunctioning transmission. This issue may be resolved by changing the transmission filter and adding new fluid, but it could also be a sign of a more serious problem that requires professional attention.

The 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet has also been known to have issues with idling and stalling at stoplights or stop signs. This problem can occur even after the engine has been running for some time and may be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty idle control valve or a vacuum leak. In some cases, the problem may be resolved by cleaning or replacing the idle control valve, while in other cases, a more extensive repair may be necessary.

In addition to these specific issues, the 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet is an older car that may require regular maintenance and repairs due to its age. Owners are advised to budget for unexpected repairs and to have the car inspected regularly to ensure that it remains in good working condition. It is also recommended to find a good European car specialist for mechanical repair and general maintenance, as well as to check for rust and leaks before purchasing the car.

1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet engine

How much horsepower does a 1986 VW Cabriolet have?

A 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 90-hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission were standard on the front-wheel drive Cabriolet, and a 3-speed auto tran was available.

When did VW stop making the cabriolet?

Volkswagen will cease production of the T-Roc cabriolet in 2025, ending a 75-year tradition of internal-combustion-engine-powered convertible models at the German automaker.

Is a VW Cabriolet a rabbit?

Rabbit Convertible is what the Golf Cabriolet was called in North America from 1980-1984. This model had two trim levels: Rabbit Convertible and Rabbit Convertible L. The L was supposed to receive upgraded options such as cloth sports seats and alloy wheels.

What is the top speed of the VW Cabriolet?

Performance

0 - 40 kph2.3 s
60 - 100 kph (5)10.6 s
80 - 120 kph (6)14.9 s
Est. 100 - 140 kph10.1 s
Top speed197 kph (122 mph)

How much horsepower does a 1986 VW Cabriolet have?

A 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 90-hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission were standard on the front-wheel drive Cabriolet, and a 3-speed auto tran was available.

When did VW stop making the cabriolet?

Volkswagen will cease production of the T-Roc cabriolet in 2025, ending a 75-year tradition of internal-combustion-engine-powered convertible models at the German automaker.

Is a VW Cabriolet a rabbit?

Rabbit Convertible is what the Golf Cabriolet was called in North America from 1980-1984. This model had two trim levels: Rabbit Convertible and Rabbit Convertible L. The L was supposed to receive upgraded options such as cloth sports seats and alloy wheels.

What years are the Mk1 VW Cabriolet?

Volkswagen Golf Mk1

Volkswagen Golf Mk1 (Type 17)
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also calledVolkswagen Rabbit (US/Canada) Volkswagen Caribe (Mexico) Volkswagen Citi Golf (South Africa)
ProductionMay 1974–September 1983 1976–1985 (Yugoslavia) 1979–April 1993 (Cabriolet) 1984–2009 (South Africa) 1977–1987 (Mexico)

1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Cabriolet problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet.

2003-10-14

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-13
  • VIN: WVWCA0157GK
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL LEAKS FROM TOP OF TANK WHEN TANK IS FULL OR OVER 1/2 FULL... PREVIOUS RECALLS OF THIS CAR AND THOSE SIMILAR LIST PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF ADVANCED AGE OF VEHICLE, RECALLS ARE NOT BEING ACKNOWLEDGED BY DEALERS OR COMPANY. AUTO IS A 1986 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET. *LA
1998-11-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-30
  • VIN: WVWCA015XGK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMOBILE: LEFT INDICATOR LIGHT NOT WORKING, HORN BROKEN, BACK - UP LIGHTS NOT WORKING, CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION NEEDS WORK (TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL), ALL LOCKS BROKEN...
1997-08-06

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-10
  • VIN: WVWCA0153GK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE HEATER CORE HAS FAILED AND IS LEAKING, AND MAKING THE CAR HARDER TO STOP. *AK

1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet.

1987-04-14
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.
  • Consequence: FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.
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Cabriolet 1987
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1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet photo