1987 Volkswagen Vanagon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Vanagon › 1987
These records cover every 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install a reinforcement plate at the connections of both the center and rear air flow ducts.
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 and remedy
Risk
Failure to return to idle position could lead to anaccident.
Remedy
The present accelerator cable bracket will be replaced.
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 and remedy
Risk
Tires could lose air, creating potential for loss ofvehicle control.
Remedy
Replace tires as necessary.
In line fuel filter located between the fuel tank and fuel pump could seep fuel at the seam of the plastic casing.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should seepage occur, leaking fuel can cause a risk offire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy
The in line fuel filter will be replaced with a straight fuel hose.
Seat brackets which anchor rearward passenger seats may not engage properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Seat could break loose during acceleration and causeinjury to the seat occupant.
Remedy
Assure that seat brackets are properly engaged.
Pin in shift locking pawl may not be properly welded to the pawl.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If pin separates from pawl, driver would be able to movethe shift lever during driving into any position without pressing safetyrelease button.
Remedy
Replace shift locking pawl.
Usage of fuel with reid pressure up to 14 psi could, under high engine load and high ambient temperatures, lead to stalling.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel flow could become restricted and cause the engineto stall.
Remedy
Install a new fuel tank, containing a redesigned fuel filter, as well as modified control units.
Owner complaints
13 complaints2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1987 volkswagen vanagon, equipped with master craft glacier grip tires size: 185/70/ R14. The contact was driving 55 mph when the front passenger side and rear driver side wheels began shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that the…
TL* the contact owns a 1987 volkswagen vanagon, equipped with master craft glacier grip tires size: 185/70/ R14. The contact was driving 55 mph when the front passenger side and rear driver side wheels began shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that the chords were detached from the tires. The manufacturer was not contacted. The tires were not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were unknown.
- Fuel system, gasoline
I believe an agent of volkswagen falsified documents pertaining to the recall closing and repair of my father's VW van vin [xxx] . Recall campaign nhtsa #88v-038 and possibly 87v-052. These are presently being fixed by southtowne VW in south jordan utah to the tune of almost 3000.00 at our expense.…
I believe an agent of volkswagen falsified documents pertaining to the recall closing and repair of my father's VW van vin [xxx] . Recall campaign nhtsa #88v-038 and possibly 87v-052. These are presently being fixed by southtowne VW in south jordan utah to the tune of almost 3000.00 at our expense. Volkswagon never sent my father, the only owner of the vehicle any recall letters, and it IS obvious to me they are now fixing the recalls but charging us. They say the recalls are closed and cannot prove to me they were fixed (because they never were) I and my father were lied to about this right about the time of the recalls, by volkswagen intermountain, the dealer he purchased the vehicle from. We were told not to worry about the leaking gas, that it wasn't dangerous, when we asked them about leaking gas. They also told my father not to go above 30 rpm's which IS very strange. I want an investigation done. I want either proof of the vehicle being repaired (which I know it wasn't) for free by the dealer, or our money back for the repairs currently being done. Thank you for your help. I would also like to know if there have been any more complaints filed about this. *nm updated 07/12/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel tank leaks out of the filler neck. *ak when the engine was under high load and hot, it stalled. (fuel starvation due to restriction) the fuel kept dropping until the 3/6 level rubber grommets were changed. the when the vehicle was running under a heavy load and climbing on a hot day, it…
Fuel tank leaks out of the filler neck. *ak when the engine was under high load and hot, it stalled. (fuel starvation due to restriction) the fuel kept dropping until the 3/6 level rubber grommets were changed. the when the vehicle was running under a heavy load and climbing on a hot day, it starved for fuel and lost power. *scc the consumer stated when the tank was filled, there was seepage from the filler pipe. *jb
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Recall 93 v 175 000/air condition:hose:duct:air: dealer;egc volkswagen; new hyde park,ny, phone# 516/488-2420refused to honor recall. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While driving consumer was thrown out of driver's seat, even though he was thrown backwards causing minor injuries, consumer was able to hold on to the steering wheel and managed to get vehicle back under control, this has also happened with passenger seat as well. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Pump corrosion due to steel/aluminum interation. steel bracket clamping aluminum fuel pump caused pump corrosion to the extent that fuel leaked from pump case
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
For no apparent reason while driving, consumer noticed a change in the vehicle after pulling over on the shoulder. Vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment. Fire was put out by the fire department. Vehicle totalled. Please provide any further information. *ak *yc
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fire occured as a result from a gasoline leak in the fuel delivery system.
- Vehicle speed control
Owner states that the throttle sticks,and that when this happens the vehicle accelerates. driver must use clutch to slow vehicle down. This IS an intermittent problem. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Due to the design of the head gasket , the gasket IS leaking, causing the vehicle to overheat. the consumer also needs to replace the water pump, consumer continued to take the vehicle to dealer and problem still occurred. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Defective fuel injection system, causing loss of power at highway speed.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Fuel filler tube failed. *Sd
- Power train
Altered odometer. *skd
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Overhead a/c separation
There is no summary currently available
- Sliding door latch failure
There is no summary currently available
- Sliding door latch failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
Every Volkswagen Vanagon model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.