1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL (1999.5)
3VWCB61E8XM814972
Vehicle history report for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio GL (1999.5) (VIN 3VWCB61E8XM814972). Blue. 96,725 mi reported. Registered in Fl. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 3VWCB61E8XM814972
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 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.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
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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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 3VWCB61E8XM814972 valid?
3VWCB61E8XM814972 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Mexico. It decodes to the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio.
Does the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio have any open safety recalls?
No open NHTSA safety-recall campaigns were found for the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio. CarLogs checks this against official NHTSA data on every lookup.
What fuel economy does the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 27 highway).
Data last checked 22 Aug 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.