The Volkswagen Vanagon spans 1983–1991 with 23 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1990, 1987, 1991 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1983, 1989, 1985. It delivers up to 17 mpg combined 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 Vanagon is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1983 to 1991 across multiple generations.
How to read a Volkswagen Vanagon VIN — every digit explained
Every Volkswagen Vanagon 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 Vanagon.
- 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 Vanagon, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Vanagon have?
The Volkswagen Vanagon has 23 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1991. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1991 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls 2
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Fix. REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls 2
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Fix. REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
1989 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
Fix. THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
1988 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls 4
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
Fix. THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift
What's wrong. IMPROPER JACK FURNISHED WITH VEHICLES.
Risk. THE JACK MAY NOT REACH FAR ENOUGH INTO THE JACKETSPROVIDED ON BOTH SIDED OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE IMPROPER JACK IS USED, IT COULDSLIP AND POSSIBLY INJURE A PERSON STANDING TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE.
Fix. REPLACE JACK WITH THE PROPER TYPE FOR VEHICLE.
Tires
What's wrong. DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.
Risk. TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix. REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
1987 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls 7
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
Fix. THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. USAGE OF FUEL WITH REID PRESSURE UP TO 14 PSI COULD, UNDER HIGH ENGINE LOAD AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LEAD TO STALLING.
Risk. FUEL FLOW COULD BECOME RESTRICTED AND CAUSE THE ENGINETO STALL.
Fix. INSTALL A NEW FUEL TANK, CONTAINING A REDESIGNED FUEL FILTER, AS WELL AS MODIFIED CONTROL UNITS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. IN LINE FUEL FILTER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP COULD SEEP FUEL AT THE SEAM OF THE PLASTIC CASING.
Risk. SHOULD SEEPAGE OCCUR, LEAKING FUEL CAN CAUSE A RISK OFFIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Fix. THE IN LINE FUEL FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE.
Tires
What's wrong. DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.
Risk. TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix. REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
What's wrong. SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
Risk. SEAT COULD BREAK LOOSE DURING ACCELERATION AND CAUSEINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix. ASSURE THAT SEAT BRACKETS ARE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.
Risk. IF PIN SEPARATES FROM PAWL, DRIVER WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVETHE SHIFT LEVER DURING DRIVING INTO ANY POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING SAFETYRELEASE BUTTON.
Fix. REPLACE SHIFT LOCKING PAWL.
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls 4
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. FUEL TANK FILLER NECK PIPE MAY NOT SEAT PROPERLY IN THE FUEL TANK OPENING. ALSO, THE SENDING UNIT COVER MAY BE DEFORMED.
Risk. FUEL COULD ESCAPE, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Fix. INSTALL A REDESIGNED FILLER NECK PIPE AND REPLACE THE SENDING UNIT GASKET.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. USAGE OF FUEL WITH REID PRESSURE UP TO 14 PSI COULD, UNDER HIGH ENGINE LOAD AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LEAD TO STALLING.
Risk. FUEL FLOW COULD BECOME RESTRICTED AND CAUSE THE ENGINETO STALL.
Fix. INSTALL A NEW FUEL TANK, CONTAINING A REDESIGNED FUEL FILTER, AS WELL AS MODIFIED CONTROL UNITS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. IN LINE FUEL FILTER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP COULD SEEP FUEL AT THE SEAM OF THE PLASTIC CASING.
Risk. SHOULD SEEPAGE OCCUR, LEAKING FUEL CAN CAUSE A RISK OFFIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Fix. THE IN LINE FUEL FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE.
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
1985 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls 1
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
What's wrong. THE LATCH OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR MAY BECOME DAMAGED IF EXCESSIVE FORCE IS USED TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THE DAMAGED DOOR LOCK MECHANISM WILL NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN IF VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OVER BUMPY ROADS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS OCCURS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A PASSENGER COULD FALL OUT CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix. MODIFY THE SLIDING DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SO DOOR WILL PROPERLY ENGAGE.
Best and worst years for the Volkswagen Vanagon
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 1990, 1987, 1991 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1983, 1989, 1985.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 Vanagon | — | Best | |
| 1984 Vanagon | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1985 Vanagon | Electrical System | Best | |
| 1986 Vanagon | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1987 Vanagon | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1988 Vanagon | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1989 Vanagon | — | Best | |
| 1990 Vanagon | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1991 Vanagon | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid |
What are the most common Volkswagen Vanagon problems?
The most-reported Volkswagen Vanagon problems are Other (2 reports), Seats (1 reports) and Tires (4 reports) — out of 52 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Volkswagen Vanagon specifications & dimensions
The 1988–1991 Volkswagen Vanagon measures 180″ long on a 97″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,466 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Volkswagen Vanagon window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988–1991 | 180″ | 73″ | 76″ | 97″ | 3,468 lb |
| 1985 | 180″ | 72″ | 77″ | 97″ | 3,276 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Volkswagen Vanagon cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Vanagon 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 Vanagon 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 Vanagon get?
The Volkswagen Vanagon returns up to 17 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon (2.1L 4-cyl) gets 17 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 523 g/mi CO₂ — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Vanagon | 16 | 18 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 Vanagon | 16 | 18 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 Vanagon | 16 | 18 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 Vanagon | 16 | 18 | $3,900 | 555 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Vanagon | 15 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Vanagon | 15 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Vanagon | 16 | 18 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Vanagon | 15 | 18 | $3,900 | 555 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Vanagon stacks up against the most fuel-efficient minivans, or calculate this Vanagon's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Volkswagen Vanagon have? Power & range
The Volkswagen Vanagon is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.1L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.1L · 4-cyl | Manual 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Volkswagen Vanagon cost to own?
A used Volkswagen Vanagon sells for a median of about $14,700 for a 1991 — most listed between $8,500 and $24,449, from 13 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Vanagon | $8,500–$24,449 | 5 | |
| 1990 Vanagon | $10,000–$29,000 | 8 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Vanagon is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Volkswagen Vanagon depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. 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 Vanagon loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $18,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Vanagon 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 Vanagon safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Vanagon yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Volkswagen Vanagon last?
A well-maintained Volkswagen Vanagon typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Volkswagen Vanagon’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Vanagon’s VIN free →All Volkswagen Vanagon model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Volkswagen Vanagon — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Vanagon | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1990 Vanagon | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1989 Vanagon | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1988 Vanagon | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1987 Vanagon | 7 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Vanagon | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Vanagon | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 Vanagon | 1 recall | — | |
| 1983 Vanagon | 0 | — |
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 Vanagon?
By owner-complaint volume, 1990, 1987, 1991 drew the most reports. 1983, 1989, 1985 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Vanagon have?
23 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1991. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Volkswagen recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Vanagon get?
Up to 17 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Vanagon last?
A well-maintained Vanagon typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Vanagon reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Vanagon is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Volkswagen Vanagon 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 Vanagon made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Vanagon'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 does a Vanagon weigh?
The Vanagon's curb weight is around 3,466 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Vanagon 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.