MYRModel Year Report

1981 Volkswagen Vanagon

○ Not enough data
1981 Volkswagen Vanagon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:25.987Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1981

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 3 complaints 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 13 complaints 1991: 9 complaints 1991
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 13 complaints 1990 1991: 9 complaints 1991
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 13 complaints 1990 1991: 9 complaints 1991

1981: 2 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19820
19830
19842
19851
19868
198713
19883
19890
199013
19919

Known problem areas

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 2 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel injection system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer states that while approaching a stop sign, a big cloud of smoke was coming from the rear of the vehicle, when lifting the cover to the engine compartment, consumer could see it burning with a bright white flame, consumer states the cause of...

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-13

When driving over a puddle of water, water gets trapped on top of fuel tank, causing tank to rust, resulting in a fuel leakage. Please provide details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-05

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1981-04-22Equipment81V076000 During vehicle operation, the pop top could loosen from its anchor due to wind pressure. It could open and separate entirely from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, modify anchorages to make sure pop top will be secured under normal operating conditions.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1984-08-13Latches/locks/linkages84V084000 Spring, which holds the latch on the front door locks, may break and door may open unexpectedly.

    Remedy: Springs will be replaced on all affected locks without charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1989-12-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-02-20 Fuel leak, evaporative vnt

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 81V076000 · Equipment
  • Recall 84V084000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.