1987 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
7 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. IN LINE FUEL FILTER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP COULD SEEP FUEL AT THE SEAM OF THE PLASTIC CASING.
What could happen: SHOULD SEEPAGE OCCUR, LEAKING FUEL CAN CAUSE A RISK OFFIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
The fix: THE IN LINE FUEL FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE.
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 1987 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V038000.
- 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:FUEL PUMP
Summary: IN LINE FUEL FILTER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP COULD SEEP FUEL AT THE SEAM OF THE PLASTIC CASING.
Consequence: SHOULD SEEPAGE OCCUR, LEAKING FUEL CAN CAUSE A RISK OFFIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Remedy: THE IN LINE FUEL FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL IN LINE FILTER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.
What could happen: IF PIN SEPARATES FROM PAWL, DRIVER WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVETHE SHIFT LEVER DURING DRIVING INTO ANY POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING SAFETYRELEASE BUTTON.
The fix: REPLACE SHIFT LOCKING PAWL.
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 1987 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V085000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.
Consequence: IF PIN SEPARATES FROM PAWL, DRIVER WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVETHE SHIFT LEVER DURING DRIVING INTO ANY POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING SAFETYRELEASE BUTTON.
Remedy: REPLACE SHIFT LOCKING PAWL.
Notes: SYSTEM: SHIFT LOCKING PAWL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
3. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
What could happen: SEAT COULD BREAK LOOSE DURING ACCELERATION AND CAUSEINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
The fix: ASSURE THAT SEAT BRACKETS ARE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
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 1987 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V083000.
- 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:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Summary: SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
Consequence: SEAT COULD BREAK LOOSE DURING ACCELERATION AND CAUSEINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: ASSURE THAT SEAT BRACKETS ARE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Notes: SYSTEM: REARWARD PASSENGER SEAT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES.
4. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. THE PLASTIC MATERIAL OF THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT, WHICH IS FASTENED BY TWO MOUNTING SCREWS TO THE CEILING OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAN CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
What could happen: 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 SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
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 1987 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V175000.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Summary: THE PLASTIC MATERIAL OF THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT, WHICH IS FASTENED BY TWO MOUNTING SCREWS TO THE CEILING OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAN CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
Consequence: 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 SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
Notes: SYSTEM: AIR CONDITIONER HOSE; DUCT; AIR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING.
5. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.
What could happen: TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix: REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
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 1987 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V076000.
- 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: TIRES
Summary: DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.
Consequence: TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: WHEELS/TIRES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND CAMPER TYPE VEHICLES.
6. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. USAGE OF FUEL WITH REID PRESSURE UP TO 14 PSI COULD, UNDER HIGH ENGINE LOAD AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LEAD TO STALLING.
What could happen: FUEL FLOW COULD BECOME RESTRICTED AND CAUSE THE ENGINETO STALL.
The fix: INSTALL A NEW FUEL TANK, CONTAINING A REDESIGNED FUEL FILTER, AS WELL AS MODIFIED CONTROL UNITS.
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 1987 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V052000.
- 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:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: USAGE OF FUEL WITH REID PRESSURE UP TO 14 PSI COULD, UNDER HIGH ENGINE LOAD AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LEAD TO STALLING.
Consequence: FUEL FLOW COULD BECOME RESTRICTED AND CAUSE THE ENGINETO STALL.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL TANK, CONTAINING A REDESIGNED FUEL FILTER, AS WELL AS MODIFIED CONTROL UNITS.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL TANK.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES.
7. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. WHEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TENSION MAY ALLOW THE CABLE TO SAG AND BECOME ENTANGLED WITH THE WATER PIPE BRACKET IMPEDING ITS RETURN TO IDLE POSITION.
What could happen: FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
The fix: THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
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 1987 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V067000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: WHEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TENSION MAY ALLOW THE CABLE TO SAG AND BECOME ENTANGLED WITH THE WATER PIPE BRACKET IMPEDING ITS RETURN TO IDLE POSITION.
Consequence: FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
Remedy: THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: SYSTEM: CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN CAMPER TYPE VEHICLE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (6), Gasoline (5), Engine (2), Wheels / tires (1), Equipment (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/15/2012 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON, EQUIPPED WITH MASTER CRAFT GLACIER GRIP TIRES SIZE: 185/70/ R14. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEELS BEGAN SHAKING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CHORDS WERE DETACHED FROM THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
08/17/2006 · Fuel system
I BELIEVE AN AGENT OF VOLKSWAGEN FALSIFIED DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO THE RECALL CLOSING AND REPAIR OF MY FATHER'S VW VAN VIN [XXX] . RECALL CAMPAIGN NHTSA #88V-038 AND POSSIBLY 87V-052. THESE ARE PRESENTLY BEING FIXED BY SOUTHTOWNE VW IN SOUTH JORDAN UTAH TO THE TUNE OF ALMOST 3000.00 AT OUR EXPENSE. VOLKSWAGON NEVER SENT MY FATHER, THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHI…
10/24/2003 · Fuel system
FUEL TANK LEAKS OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. *AK WHEN THE ENGINE WAS UNDER HIGH LOAD AND HOT, IT STALLED. (FUEL STARVATION DUE TO RESTRICTION) THE FUEL KEPT DROPPING UNTIL THE 3/6 LEVEL RUBBER GROMMETS WERE CHANGED. THE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING UNDER A HEAVY LOAD AND CLIMBING ON A HOT DAY, IT STARVED FOR FUEL AND LOST POWER. *SCC THE CONSUMER STATED…
10/29/2001 · Equipment
RECALL 93 V 175 000/AIR CONDITION:HOSE:DUCT:AIR: DEALER;EGC VOLKSWAGEN; NEW HYDE PARK,NY, PHONE# 516/488-2420REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
05/14/2001 · Seats
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WAS THROWN OUT OF DRIVER'S SEAT, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS THROWN BACKWARDS CAUSING MINOR INJURIES, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO HOLD ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND MANAGED TO GET VEHICLE BACK UNDER CONTROL, THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WITH PASSENGER SEAT AS WELL. *JB
08/31/2000 · Fuel system
PUMP CORROSION DUE TO STEEL/ALUMINUM INTERATION. STEEL BRACKET CLAMPING ALUMINUM FUEL PUMP CAUSED PUMP CORROSION TO THE EXTENT THAT FUEL LEAKED FROM PUMP CASE
01/03/2000 · Engine · fire
FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED A CHANGE IN THE VEHICLE AFTER PULLING OVER ON THE SHOULDER. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. VEHICLE TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK *YC
05/13/1997 · Vehicle Speed Control
OWNER STATES THAT THE THROTTLE STICKS,AND THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. DRIVER MUST USE CLUTCH TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *AK