Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Fuel system, gasoline3
- Electrical system1
- Unknown or other1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit failed the safety check 1.11% of the time — 29% more often than the average 1982 passenger car (0.86%). Median odometer at inspection: 88,081 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
20 first registered in 1982 are on Dutch roads; 100% arrived later as imports.
Most common APK defects
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen4
- Claxon werkt niet/ontbreekt3
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm2
- CO meer dan wettelijk toegestaan2
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld2
- Stofhoes fuseekogel beschadigd en dicht niet af2
- Parkeerrem werkt niet op 2 wielen1
- Stofhoes stuurinrichting beschadigd, dicht niet af1
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In New Zealand
1 1982 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
| 1987020 16 Feb 1987 | Emissions THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. - INOPERATIVE EGR VALVE - |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
THE THROTTLE SHAFT OF THE CARBURETOR MAY CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK AT THE THREADED HOLE FOR THE THROTTLE PLATE CONNECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF THE THROTTLE SHAFT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE THROTTLE SHAFT BREAKS, THE THROTTLE WOULD NOT RETURN TO ITS IDLE POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
NHTSA investigations
REAR VIEW MIRROR
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation