1990 Volkswagen Vanagon: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer stated that while driving and without warning anti freeze will leak from the engine cause and distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ts”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2002
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 1999
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1998
Show 3 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
“Mfg., recall #rv; air getting into fuel injection system causes vehicle to skip, in cold conditions. Dealer replaced, jeep still skips when weather is cold. Tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
Check your exact Vanagon by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:appliance:air conditioner. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.