1991 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The fix: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V058000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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.
What could happen: 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 fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 VANAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V175000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: AIR CONDITIONER HOSE; DUCT; AIR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (3), Wheels / tires (2), Equipment (2), Electrical system (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/15/2013 · Wheels / tires
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TIRE SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE BELT IN THE TIRE BECAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE TREAD TO…
10/01/2012 · Wheels / tires
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. I TOOK A PICTURE OF THE BLEWOUT TIRE, AND I STILL HAVE THE TIRE, AND I SUSPECT IT WAS THE CASE OF A MANUFACTURE DEFECT BA…
07/09/2012 · Equipment
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. AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN HE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT DETACHED FROM THE CEILING OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NO…
08/09/2002 · Equipment
SAME AS MENTIONED IN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 6836 AFFECTING AIR CONDITIONER:HOSE:DUCT:AIR. *AK
01/27/1999 · Engine
THE CAR WAS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE DUE TO CORRODED ENGINE. ENGINE HEAD GASKET HAS BLOWN 2 TIMES AND IS BEING REPLACED FOR THE 3RD TIME.
02/05/1998 · Engine
ENGINE PROBLEMS.
10/15/1997 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FIRE TOTALLY DESTROYED VEHICLE. *AK
09/18/1997 · Electrical system · fire
VEHICLE FIRE, ORIGINATING UNDER THE DASH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK