1990 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
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 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
6 of 13 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
Mfg., recall #rv; air getting into fuel injection system causes vehicle to skip, in cold conditions. Dealer replaced, Jeep still skips when weather is cold.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-05
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer stated that while driving and without warning anti freeze will leak from the engine cause and distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-20
Electrical system
3 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
Tires
1 of 13 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Michelin tires blew out and exploded.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-07
Seat belts
1 of 13 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other.
Show complaint excerpts
The first bench seatbelt broke in half. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-23
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1991-06-04Engineering analysisClosed 1992-01-27 Sliding door latch failure
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R
1992-05-22Fuel system, gasoline92V058000 The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
Remedy: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
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I
1993-05-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-10-29 Overhead a/c separation
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 92V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 93V175000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 1990 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 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
- 2 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.