1987 Volkswagen Vanagon
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 13 complaints
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 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
5 of 13 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and injectors.
Show complaint excerpts
I believe an agent of Volkswagen falsified documents pertaining to the recall closing and repair of my father's vw van VIN [xxx] . Recall campaign NHTSA #88V-038 and possibly 87V-052.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-17
Fuel tank leaks out of the filler neck. *ak when the engine was under high load and hot, it stalled. (Fuel starvation due to restriction) the fuel kept dropping until the 3/6 level rubber grommets were changed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-03
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
For no apparent reason while driving, consumer noticed a change in the vehicle after pulling over on the shoulder. Vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment. Fire was put out by the fire department. Vehicle totalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-01-03
Vehicle speed control
1 of 13 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Tires
1 of 13 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon, equipped with master craft glacier grip tires size: 185/70/ R14. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the front passenger side and rear driver side wheels began shaking abnormally.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-15
Seats
1 of 13 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving consumer was thrown out of driver's seat, even though he was thrown backwards causing minor injuries, consumer was able to hold on to the steering wheel and managed to get vehicle back under control, this has also happened with...
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-05-30
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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1987-09-01Power train87V085000 Pin in shift locking pawl may not be properly welded to the pawl.
Remedy: Replace shift locking pawl.
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1987-10-09Seats87V083000 Seat brackets which anchor rearward passenger seats may not engage properly.
Remedy: Assure that seat brackets are properly engaged.
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1988-07-01Tires88V076000 Due to improper mounting process, semperit tires 20570R14 mounted on alloy wheel size 6J x 14 could experience tiny cracks in the bead area.
Remedy: Replace tires as necessary.
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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.
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1989-06-08Vehicle speed control89V067000 When using the cruise control the accelerator cable tension may allow the cable to sag and become entangled with the water pipe bracket impeding its return to idle position.
Remedy: The present accelerator cable bracket will be replaced.
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1991-02-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-06-04 Sliding door latch failure
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1991-06-04Engineering analysisClosed 1992-01-27 Sliding door latch failure
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1993-05-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-10-29 Overhead a/c separation
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V052000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 87V085000 · Power train
- Recall 87V083000 · Seats
- Recall 88V076000 · Tires
- Recall 88V038000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 89V067000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 93V175000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.