MYRModel Year Report

1981 Volkswagen Vanagon

○ Not enough data
1981 Volkswagen Vanagon
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:44:50.087Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Vanagon Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 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

1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980805

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.

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, 20020813

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19810422 — equipment

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.

Campaign 81V076000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19840813 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

Campaign 84V084000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19891204 — PE (closed 19900220)

FUEL LEAK, EVAPORATIVE VNT

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 81V076000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 84V084000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
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:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.