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1988 Volkswagen VanagonProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints31 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Fuel system, gasoline

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 27, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon has problems

3 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
Fuel system, gasoline21
Structure10

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

4 recalls

1988 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

Mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift

Recall 88V-056 · Apr 5, 1988 · 600 vehicles

Risk. THE JACK MAY NOT REACH FAR ENOUGH INTO THE JACKETSPROVIDED ON BOTH SIDED OF THE VEHICLE.

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

1988 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
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon, and the recalls they led to.

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

What Vanagon owners report

Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE GAS LINES ONTO THE EXHAUST. COULD HAVE CAUSED A POTENTIAL FIRE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, DETERMINED PROBLEM TO BE A LOOSE HOSE CLAMP, WHICH WAS REPAIRED BY REPOSITIONING AND TIGHTENING. *AK.ET.
Complaint 836450 · Apr 5, 1999

Own a 1988 Vanagon?

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