1990 Volkswagen Cabrio Base MT
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet in Tornado Red, front left by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet in Germany by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: VW Golf 1 Cabrio Blue Flipflop side by Fiver, der Hellseher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Custom in Gold, Rear Left, 06-28-2023 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: VW Golf Cabrio I Aigner Innenraum by KarleHorn, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1990 Volkswagen Cabrio Base MT is a 94-hp 1.8-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $15,485 MSRP and is rated at 25 mpg combined.
It makes 94 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 100 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (25 mpg combined).
The Cabrio measures 153.1 inches long on a 94.5-inch wheelbase.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $15,485 ($38,505 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.8L SOHC I4 |
| Displacement | 1.8 L |
| Horsepower | 94 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 100 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 22 MPG |
| Highway | 29 MPG |
| Combined | 25 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular gasoline |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 239 mm (9.4 in) disc |
| Rear Brake Disc | Rear drum |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 14-inch aluminum alloy |
| Wheels Rear | 14-inch aluminum alloy |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 153.1 in |
| Width | 64.6 in |
| Height | 55.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1990 Volkswagen Cabrio Base MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen CABRIOLET. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Apr 14, 1992 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
NHTSA campaign 92V058000
Dec 13, 1991 · AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: SECURE WIRE TO THE CROSSMEMBER WITH A CLIP.
NHTSA campaign 91V215000
Nov 18, 1991 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
Consequence: FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACKED FUEL TANK WHICH COULDCATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: CHECK VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DEFECT IS FOUND.
NHTSA campaign 91V201000
Sep 11, 1991 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Consequence: INTERFERENCE WITH THE FREE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATORLINKAGE COULD RESULT IN UNWANTED ACCELERATION WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKET TO SECURE SEPARATOR PANEL.
NHTSA campaign 91V162000
8 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen CABRIOLET
Owner Complaints
8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen CABRIOLET. See all on nhtsa.gov
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Fuel System | 3 |
| Gasoline | 3 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.