The Volkswagen Dasher spans 1981–1981 with 1 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Volkswagen Dasher is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1981 across multiple generations.
How to read a Volkswagen Dasher VIN — every digit explained
Every Volkswagen Dasher carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Volkswagen and the country it was built in (real Volkswagen codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Dasher.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- GermanyWV1 · WV2 · WVG · WVW
- USA1V1 · 1V2 · 1VW
- Mexico3VV · 3VW · 9BW
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Dasher, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Dasher have?
The Volkswagen Dasher has 1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1981. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1981 Volkswagen Dasher recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
What's wrong. On certain vehicles, porous spots may have developed on the interior surface of the threaded hole for the brake hose during the moulding process. These spots allow brake fluid to seep from the calipers during heavy brake applications.
Fix. Both front brake calipers will be inspected for brake fluid seepage and will be replaced, if necessary, without charge.
Best and worst years for the Volkswagen Dasher
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Volkswagen Dasher — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Volkswagen Dasher problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Volkswagen Dasher — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Volkswagen Dasher specifications & dimensions
The 1981 Volkswagen Dasher. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Volkswagen Dasher window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Volkswagen Dasher cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Dasher holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Volkswagen Dasher tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Volkswagen Dasher get?
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What engines does the Volkswagen Dasher have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Volkswagen Dasher cost to own?
A Volkswagen Dasher depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Dasher is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Dasher loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Dasher ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Volkswagen Dasher safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Dasher yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Volkswagen Dasher last?
A well-maintained Volkswagen Dasher typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Volkswagen Dasher’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Dasher’s VIN free →All Volkswagen Dasher model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Volkswagen Dasher — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Dasher | 1 recall | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Dasher?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Volkswagen Dasher.
How many recalls does the Dasher have?
1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1981. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Dasher last?
A well-maintained Dasher typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Dasher reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Dasher is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Volkswagen Dasher warranty?
New Volkswagen models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Volkswagen dealer.
Where is the Volkswagen Dasher made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Dasher's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Volkswagen may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Dasher have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.