Menu

1986 Volkswagen VanagonProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon, most often about the equipment. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints83 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage175kEquipment, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 11, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon has problems

8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Equipment30
Fuel system, gasoline32
Engine and engine cooling11
Seat belts10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1986 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Appliance: air conditioner

Recall 93V-175 · Oct 29, 1993 · 29,500 vehicles

Risk. IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 88V-038 · Mar 23, 1988 · 12,000 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD SEEPAGE OCCUR, LEAKING FUEL CAN CAUSE A RISK OFFIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other Vanagon year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Vanagon median. How we score

'80'81'82'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILUREEA91026 · closed Jan 27, 1992
    No recall
  2. FUEL LEAK, EVAPORATIVE VNTPE90024 · closed Feb 20, 1990
    No recall
  3. SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILUREPE91050 · closed Jun 4, 1991
    No recall
  4. OVERHEAD A/C SEPARATIONPE93043 · closed Oct 29, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-175
In owners' words

What Vanagon owners report

Recent equipment complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF RECALL #93-V-175-000 WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE PLASTIC MATERIAL OF THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT WHICH COULD CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.. *NLM *TS. THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. WHILE MAJOR SERVICE WAS BEING PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE…
Complaint 10020512 · Jul 11, 2003 · 175,000 miles
WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AIR CONDITIONER VENT FAILED ON DRIVER'S HEAD. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Complaint 8003974 · Feb 12, 2002

Own a 1986 Vanagon?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.