RoadVitals

1990 Volkswagen Vanagon

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Dec 20, 2002
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Oct 29, 1993
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 2 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system535.7%
  • Engine428.6%
  • Electrical214.3%
  • Exterior lighting17.1%
  • Seat belts17.1%
  • Tires & wheels17.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
93V175000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Oct 29, 1993
29,500 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCView on NHTSA.gov
92V058000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Apr 14, 1992
358,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE93043ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

OVERHEAD A/C SEPARATION

Opened May 5, 1993
Closed Oct 29, 1993

There is no summary currently available

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEMLed to recall 93V175000
EA91026ClosedEngineering Analysis

SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE

Opened Jun 4, 1991
Closed Jan 27, 1992

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 13
Engine
Filed Dec 20, 2002

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING ANTI FREEZE WILL LEAK FROM THE ENGINE CAUSE AND DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

NHTSA ID
10001290
Incident
Nov 29, 2002
Fuel system
Filed Dec 1, 1999

WHEN THE WEATHER TURNED COLD THE JUNCTION OF A SMALL, PLASTIC FUEL LINE WITH AN OVERLAPPING RUBBER FUEL LINE (HELD TOGETHER WITH A LARGE CRIMP CONNECTOR) STARTED TO LEAK DIRECTLY ON THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP. THE RUBBER IN THE FUEL LINE HAD DEGRADED AND CRACKED. THIS CRIMP CONNECTOR COULD NOT BE TIGHTENED OR EASILY REPLACED TO ELIMINATE THE LEAK. MANY EUROVAN OWNERS ON THE INTERNET HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR FUEL LEAKS. I COULDN'T AFFORD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR SO I REPLACED THE DEGRADED RUBBER HOSE MYSELF, USING RUBBER HOSE FROM AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND SCREW-TYPE STAINLESS STEEL HOSE CLAMPS. *AK

NHTSA ID
715472
Incident
Nov 5, 1999
Fuel system
Filed Sep 14, 1999

PLASTIC CROSSOVER HOSE ON TOP OF FUEL WAS CRACKED & LEAKED FLUID. THE FUEL TANK IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF ENGINE. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ID
847707
Electrical
Filed Apr 1, 1999

MY 1990 VW VANAGON HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF INTERMITTENT POWER LOSSES FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE IN 1990 UNTIL DECEMBER 1998 WHEN VW PART NUMBER 025906302A WAS INSTALLED. SEVERAL OF THESE POWER LOSSES RESULTED IN NEAR ACCIDENTS, ONCE WHEN PASSING A SLOW MOVING TRUCK ON A TWO LANE INTERSTATE WITH ANOTHER TRUCK RIGHT BEHIND ME, SUDDENLY THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. ONLY THE ALERTNESS OF THE TRUCK DRIVER BEHIND ME IN SLOWING QUICKLY PREVENTED AN ACCIDENT. THE JACKSON WY DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON A RECENT TRIP TO WYOMING FROM CALIFORNIA THE INTERMITTENT POWER LOSSES REOCCURRED. AN INDEPENDENT (VW TRAINED) MECHANIC IN JACKSON INFORMED ME THAT A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH AFFECTED ALL VW VANAGONS FROM 1985 ON REQUIRED A NEW WIRING HARNESS TO THE ENGINE AIR CONTROL SYSTEM. THE VW DEALER IN IDAHO FALLS CONFIRMED THAT ALL SUCH WIRING HARNESSES SHOULD BE REPLACED, BUT STATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AS THERE WAS NO RECALL BY VW. THE PROBLEM IS EXPLAINED IN THE VW TECHNICAL BULLETIN 24 93-07 DATED NOVEMBER 15, 1993. VW HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART (APPROXIMATELY $140) ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THERE WAS NO GOVERNMENT MANDATED RECALL. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER VW'S WHICH ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN HAVE THIS SAME DEFECT. VW SHOULD INFORM ALL OF THOSE OWNERS AS THEY SHOULD HAVE INFORMED ME AND VW SHOULD REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES AT NO COST TO THOSE OWNERS. SINCE THIS DESIGN DEFECT IS ADMITTED BY VW TO CAUSE INTERMITTENT POWER LOSSES WHICH OBVIOUSLY CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS IN MANY SITUATIONS, IT WOULD SEEM MOST APPROPRIATE FOR THE DOT TO ORDER THIS RECALL. IF DOT CONSIDERS THAT THIS IS JUST AN ECONOMIC PROBLEM AFFECTING A CLASS OF CONSUMERS AND NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM NECESSITATING A RECALL THEN PLEASE INFORM ME OF THIS DECISION. *AK

NHTSA ID
705176
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 9, 1998

IGNITION COIL AND WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR CAR AND ROTOR AND OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.

NHTSA ID
543056
Fuel system
Filed Nov 23, 1998

WHEN DRIVING THROUGH HIGH ALTITUDE AREAS THE VEHICLE MAY START RUNNING LIKE IT IS OUT OF GAS, BUT IT REALLY ISN'T. THE FUEL INJECTION COMPUTER DOSEN'T ADJUST TO THE SITUATION. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ID
831182
Engine
Filed Aug 20, 1998

CONSUMER IS COMPLAINING OF A PLASTIC DELIVERING PIPE FOR COOLING WATER FROM THE ENGINE TO THE RADIATOR , THE END PULLED OFF WHICH DUMPED ALL OF THE WATER OUT OF VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST IS TO THE CONSUMER.*AK

NHTSA ID
826267
Incident
May 26, 1998
Fuel system
Filed Jul 29, 1998

GAS LEAKED FROM FUEL TANK TWICE. (QCAW)

NHTSA ID
538555
Incident
Jun 15, 1993

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

2015831

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE

0101

SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Vanagon by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1994000—
1993000—
1992000—
1991922—
1990Viewing132245.6
1989022—
1988343—
1987137366.3
1986844—
1985113—
1984202—
1983001—
1982011—
1981221—
1980030—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.