1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS (1999.5)
3VWDB61E2XM811733
Vehicle history report for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS (1999.5) (VIN 3VWDB61E2XM811733). Green, convertible/cabriolet, 2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp, gasoline. 99,605 mi reported. Registered in Fl. No NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Looks clean — a solid candidate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 3VWDB61E2XM811733, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. No recall campaigns are on record for this model year.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio data →
📋 All factory specifications on file7 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE Closed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS. THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
NHTSA #PE00033 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 2000 · closed Dec 2000An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 68
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 68.
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
Bulletin V171901201285565 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285562 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285560 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2023Update model year applicability to include 2023.
Bulletin V941901201152119 · Equipment · Dec 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
Bulletin V271901201189422 · Electrical System · Dec 2022Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
Bulletin V171901201285534 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2021Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
Bulletin V871806201994714 · Equipment · May 2020The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
Bulletin SM 33-2019 · Equipment · Mar 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
Bulletin TT 91 19 01 · Equipment, Electrical System · Mar 2019Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
Bulletin V171901-2012855 · Engine · Mar 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CABRIO. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Volkswagen Cabrio
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1). The Golf is Volkswagen's bestseller and the third best-selling automobile of all time, with over 37 million units sold worldwide.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns None on record
NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 4 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 29
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FUZEBOX IN THIS CAR IS UNPROTECTED FROM WATER AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND ANY TIME WATER MAY LEAK INTO CAR. I PARKED MY CAR AND WHEN I WENT TO HER BACK IN IT A HOUR LATER IT WOULDN'T CRANK THAT'S WHEN WE DISCOVERED THE FUZE BOX WAS MELTED FROM GETTING TOO HOT DUE TO IT LEAKING THRU THE ANTENNA O TO THE RELAYS FILLING THEM WITH WATER AND THEN CAUSE A DRIP TO…
NHTSA ODI #11398220POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND COAST TO A STOP. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE RETAINER CLIP ON THE END OF THE CABLE THAT SECURED IT TO THE CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT LEVER FAILED. . THE VEHICLE WAS TAK…
NHTSA ODI #10461344SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
HELLO, I CONTACTED YOU ABOUT 2 YRS AGO WITHOUT F/U DUE TO RECOVERY FROM INJURIES. NOW I HAVE MY CASE ON THE DOCKET TO SUE VW FOR FAULTY DISC/HUB ASSEMBLY THAT SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE THE PARTS AND PHOTOS TO SUBMIT. I INJURED MY RIGHT ANKLE ON JULY 9, 2009 WHEN THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING AND AFTER IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY INSPECT…
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10440279STEERING
THIS HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITH THIS CAR. WHEN I HIT A PATCH OF WATER, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP TEMPORARILY AND I'M UNABLE TO MANEUVER. IF I'M ON A CORNER I HAVE TO HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10380241SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGERS WHEEL FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE AND THE V…
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10332538ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE A 1999 VW CABRIO, WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL OF THE GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OF VWS BECAUSE OF FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION PARTS. I CALLED VW TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, IN SEPTEMBER 2006, I HAD THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LIGHT MAL-FUNCTION, INCLUDING THE TOTAL MELT DOWN OF ALL TH…
NHTSA ODI #10186934ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1) DUE TO VANDALISM, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WAS REPLACED BY A REPUTABLE SHOP. I USED THE POWER TOP ONCE AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THEN FOLLOWING THAT WINTER, THE POWER TOP FAILED. IT WAS BEYOND WARRANTY ACCORDING TO DEALER WHEN I DISCOVERED THE FAILURE. DEALER WANTS $1200 FOR REPLACEMENT. 2) THE 6 CD CHANGER STOPPED WORKING JUST AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. DEAL…
NHTSA ODI #10183792FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE FUEL LINE FRACTURED. THE RESULT OF THE FAILURE WAS GAS LEAKING WHILE IN MOTION. THE CONTACT NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON ARRIVING AT THE RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE LEAK WAS IDENTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN ROUTE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP …
NHTSA ODI #10149186+ 21 more complaints on record.
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