Model year guide

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio at a glance

Owner complaints32
Combined23–24 mpg
Typical price$1,635

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio common problems

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio MPG & running costs

Combined23–24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,850
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume82 cu ft
Cargo volume8 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,635
High
$2,900

From 10 comparable 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,250
Fuel only$14,250
Per mile$0.19

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.

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio trims & engines on record

Trims
GLX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio vehicles on record

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V82M805739 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V12M811690 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V52M800191 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21VX2M804883 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V82M804929 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V12M804822 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V12M806120 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V92M808309 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V62M801656 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX3VWDC21V52M801888

Other Volkswagen Cabrio model years

2001 2000 1999 1998

2002 Volkswagen Cabrio — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio?

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, visibility, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio get?

The 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio worth?

Comparable 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio listings run roughly $600–$2,900, typically around $1,635 (from 10 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.