MYRModel Year Report

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon

○ Not enough data
1985 Volkswagen Vanagon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:04.054Z

Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

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

1985: 1 complaint

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

Known problem areas

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle experienced a fire from under dash next to fuse box. *ak the consumer believes the electrical fire must have unknown cause and should not be considered normal for aging vehicles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-01-04

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1985-11-15Latches/locks/linkages85V152000 The latch of the passenger side sliding door may become damaged if excessive force is used to close the door. The damaged door lock mechanism will not properly engage and the door could open…

    Remedy: Modify the sliding door lock assembly so door will properly engage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1989-12-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-02-20 Fuel leak, evaporative vnt
  3. I
    1991-06-04Engineering analysisClosed 1992-01-27 Sliding door latch failure
  4. I
    1993-05-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-10-29 Overhead a/c separation

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V152000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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