On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.
Risk: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Sell your 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio for cash
The 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio is a small car that came with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1998 Cabrio in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
VolkswagenCABRIO1998
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio at a glance
| Body style | Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 19–21 city / 26–28 highway / 22–24 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800–$3,050 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 370–404 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 Cabrio's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a small car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1998 Cabrio. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the structure. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio recalls
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Common 1998 Cabrio problems
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio with NHTSA. 4 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 2 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Power Train46,000 mi
1998 Volkswagen Cabrio service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 53 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Update model year applicability to include 2023.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio.
Fuel tank puncture
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.
Other Volkswagen Cabrio years
‹ Sell a 1997 Cabrio · Sell a 1999 Cabrio › · All Volkswagen Cabrio years
Other 1998 Volkswagen models
Selling a 1998 Cabrio: questions
How much is a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1998 Cabrio that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1998 Cabrios that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1998 Cabrio with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 Cabrio?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1998 Cabrio today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.