MYRModel Year Report

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon

○ Not enough data
1985 Volkswagen Vanagon
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:44:31.623Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Vanagon Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 13 complaints 1990 1991: 9 complaints 1991
1985: 1 complaints
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.

FIRE INJURY
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. *YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20010104

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19851115 — latches/locks/linkages

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 IF

Remedy: MODIFY THE SLIDING DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SO DOOR WILL PROPERLY ENGAGE.

Campaign 85V152000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19891204 — PE (closed 19900220)

FUEL LEAK, EVAPORATIVE VNT

I 19910604 — EA (closed 19920127)

SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE

I 19930505 — PE (closed 19931029)

OVERHEAD A/C SEPARATION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 85V152000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
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:wiring:interior/under dash, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.