1988 Volkswagen Vanagon
Only 3 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 3 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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
NHTSA ODI report, 20230627
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE GAS LINES ONTO THE EXHAUST. COULD HAVE CAUSED A POTENTIAL FIRE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, DETERMINED PROBLEM TO BE A LOOSE HOSE CLAMP, WHICH WAS REPAIRED BY REPOSITIONING AND TIGHTENING. *AK.ET.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990405
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960123
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960123
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 88V076000 — check if this car was fixed
IMPROPER JACK FURNISHED WITH VEHICLES.
Remedy: REPLACE JACK WITH THE PROPER TYPE FOR VEHICLE.
Campaign 88V056000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 89V067000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1988 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V076000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V056000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V067000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V175000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 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 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 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.