1972 Volkswagen Type Iii recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1972 TYPE III.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 72V204000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: CAMPAIGN NO BD. POSSIBILITY THAT RETAINING CLIPS WHICH HOLD FRONT SEATADJUSTMENT LINKAGES IN PLACE MAY BREAK DUE TO INPROPER GALVANIZING TREATMENT.IF THIS OCCURS, LOCKING BOLTS WHICH CONTROL FORE AND AFT SEAT MOVEMENT CAN COMEOUT OF THEIR GUIDES AND ALLOW SEAT TO SLIP BACK AND FORTH IN TRACKS. (CORRECTBY INSPECTING AND REPLACING WITH NEW TYPE CLIPS. )
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1972 TYPE III.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 71V163000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: POSSIBILITY THAT BRAKE WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM MAY BECOME OVERLOA DED WHENIGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED OFF, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO TRANSISTOR. IF THISHAPPENS, BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ISIN PROPER WORKING ORDER. (CORRECT BY INSTALLING A DIODE IN WARNING LIGHTSYSTEM. )
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1972 TYPE III.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 71V203000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: VOLKSWAGEN CAMPAIGN NO N/A. SQUAREBACK SEDANS WITH AUTO. TRA NSMISSION.POSSIBILITY THAT FUEL LINES MAY RUB AGAINST RECIRC ULATING SYSTEMS' EXHAUSTRETURN VALVES UNTIL WALLS OF LINES CH AFE OPEN. THIS WOULD PERMIT GASOLINE TOESCAPE, CONSTITUTING FIRE HAZARD. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND PROPERLY ROUTINGLINE S AND REGULATORS. ) (TYPE 3).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
06/15/1998 · Brakes
RECALLS 72V204000/71V203000,71V163000; MR. BRUCE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE RECALLS AND THE MANUFACTURER SAIDS THAT THE RECALLS ARE NO LONGER OPEN AND THEY WILL NOT SEND THE PARTS TO HIM SO THAT HE CAN REPAIR THE VEHICLE BY HIMSELF.