MYRModel Year Report

1986 Volkswagen Vanagon

○ Not enough data
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:36:23.600Z

Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
8

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
4

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 1986: 8 complaints 1986 8 1987: 13 complaints 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 1986: 8 complaints 1986 8 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 1986: 8 complaints 1986 8 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 13 complaints 1990 1991: 9 complaints 1991

1986: 8 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

4 of 8 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

No summary provided by consumer

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-12-28

Equipment

3 of 8 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner and recreational vehicle/trailer.

Show complaint excerpts

The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of recall #93-v-175-000 which was related to the plastic material of the center air flow duct which could crack and eventually break. . *nlm *ts. The recall work was performed by the dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-23

Seat belts

1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving engine stopped on its own, tried to restart, smoke started coming from rear, momentarily flames were emerging from back of vehicle, vehicle literally exploded, fire dept responded, vehicle totaled, cause unkown, available for...

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-15

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1987-05-29Fuel system, gasoline87V052000 Usage of fuel with reid pressure up to 14 psi could, under high engine load and high ambient temperatures, lead to stalling.

    Remedy: Install a new fuel tank, containing a redesigned fuel filter, as well as modified control units.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1987-12-10Fuel system, gasoline87V051000 Fuel tank filler neck pipe may not seat properly in the fuel tank opening. Also, the sending unit cover may be deformed.

    Remedy: Install a redesigned filler neck pipe and replace the sending unit gasket.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1989-04-21Fuel system, gasoline88V038000 In line fuel filter located between the fuel tank and fuel pump could seep fuel at the seam of the plastic casing.

    Remedy: The in line fuel filter will be replaced with a straight fuel hose.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1989-12-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-02-20 Fuel leak, evaporative vnt
  5. I
    1991-02-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-06-04 Sliding door latch failure
  6. I
    1991-06-04Engineering analysisClosed 1992-01-27 Sliding door latch failure
  7. I
    1993-05-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-10-29 Overhead a/c separation
  8. R
    1994-03-04Equipment93V175000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a reinforcement plate at the connections of both the center and rear air flow ducts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Equipment: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V052000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 87V051000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 88V038000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 93V175000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
4 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.