1991 Volkswagen Vanagon
Only 9 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 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE TOTALLY DESTROYED VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971015
2 of 9 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON (N/A) EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO RADIAL 857 TIRES, SIZE: 185/75R14C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD BECAME DETACHED, CAUSING A BLOW OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131115
MY HANKOOK RA08 195R14C TIRE SIDE WALL BLEW OUT AS I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON I-110 AT APPROX. 65 MPH. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE EVENT WAS TO HAPPEN AS THE TIRE DID NOT SEEM DEFLATED WHEN I GET INTO THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121001
2 of 9 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V175000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER) AND WAS REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120709
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE FIRE, ORIGINATING UNDER THE DASH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970918
ONLY IN HEAVY RAIN DOWN POUR THE ENGINE LOSES POWER. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950531
SAFETY TIMELINE
SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE
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.
Campaign 92V058000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1991 Volkswagen Vanagon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V175000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.