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1990 Volkswagen VanagonProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints130 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem5Fuel system, gasoline

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 20, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon has problems

13 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, gasoline50
Engine and engine cooling40
Electrical system20
Exterior lighting10
Seat belts10
Tires10

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

2 recalls

1990 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: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 92V-058 · Apr 14, 1992 · 358,000 vehicles

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

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

1990 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILUREEA91026 · closed Jan 27, 1992
    No recall
  2. 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.

MFG., RECALL #RV; AIR GETTING INTO FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM CAUSES VEHICLE TO SKIP, IN COLD CONDITIONS. DEALER REPLACED, JEEP STILL SKIPS WHEN WEATHER IS COLD. TT
Complaint 963320 · Apr 5, 1995
PLASTIC CROSSOVER HOSE ON TOP OF FUEL WAS CRACKED & LEAKED FLUID. THE FUEL TANK IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF ENGINE. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
Complaint 847707 · Sep 14, 1999
WHEN DRIVING THROUGH HIGH ALTITUDE AREAS THE VEHICLE MAY START RUNNING LIKE IT IS OUT OF GAS, BUT IT REALLY ISN'T. THE FUEL INJECTION COMPUTER DOSEN'T ADJUST TO THE SITUATION. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Complaint 831182 · Nov 23, 1998

Own a 1990 Vanagon?

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