1986 Volkswagen Vanagon
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 13 |
| 1991 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
NHTSA ODI report, 19991228
2 of 8 total reports mention: equipment.
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, 20030523
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
FIRE1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
NHTSA ODI report, 19991228
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 87V052000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 87V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 88V038000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LEAK, EVAPORATIVE VNT
SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE
SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE
OVERHEAD A/C SEPARATION
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.
Campaign 93V175000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V052000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V051000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V038000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V175000 (equipment) has been completed.
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:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
4 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.