Volkswagen Vanagon recalls

11 official safety recalls for the Volkswagen Vanagon from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Air flow duct may crack and come loose

    Reported October 29, 1993Model years 1986–1991NHTSA campaign 93V17500029,500 vehicles affected

    The center air flow duct can crack at its mounting screws and separate from its supports, potentially injuring passengers in the center seat. Dealers will install reinforcement plates at the center and rear duct connections.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
    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.
    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.

  2. Fuel hose may shrink and leak

    Reported April 14, 1992Model years 1990–1991NHTSA campaign 92V058000358,000 vehicles affected

    The fuel hose at the engine's fuel rail may shrink past the clamps and leak. Fuel contacting an ignition source could cause an underhood fire. The hose will be replaced and a self-tightening spring clamp installed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
    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.
    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.

  3. Accelerator cable may become entangled

    Reported May 1, 1989Model years 1987–1989NHTSA campaign 89V067000300 vehicles affected

    When cruise control is used, cable tension may let the accelerator cable sag and catch on the water pipe bracket, preventing it from returning to idle. This could lead to an accident. The remedy is to replace the accelerator cable bracket.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN CAMPER TYPE VEHICLE.

  4. Tire beads may crack and lose air

    Reported May 6, 1988Model years 1987–1988NHTSA campaign 88V076000130 vehicles affected

    Improper mounting may cause tiny cracks in the tire bead, allowing air loss and potentially causing loss of vehicle control. Tires will be replaced as necessary.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    TIRES
    Defect
    DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.
    Consequence
    TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.
    Remedy
    REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: WHEELS/TIRES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND CAMPER TYPE VEHICLES.

  5. Supplied jack may slip

    Reported April 5, 1988Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 88V056000600 vehicles affected

    The supplied jack may not reach far enough into the vehicle's jack points. If used, it could slip and injure someone nearby. The jack will be replaced with the proper type.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:INTEGRATED JACK/LEVELER/STABILIZER
    Defect
    IMPROPER JACK FURNISHED WITH VEHICLES.
    Consequence
    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.
    Remedy
    REPLACE JACK WITH THE PROPER TYPE FOR VEHICLE.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN

  6. Fuel filter may leak at the seam

    Reported March 23, 1988Model years 1986–1987NHTSA campaign 88V03800012,000 vehicles affected

    The in-line fuel filter casing could seep fuel, creating a fire risk if fuel reaches an ignition source. The filter will be replaced with a straight fuel hose.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
    Defect
    IN LINE FUEL FILTER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP COULD SEEP FUEL AT THE SEAM OF THE PLASTIC CASING.
    Consequence
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL IN LINE FILTER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES.

  7. Shift locking pawl pin may separate

    Reported June 8, 1987Model years 1987NHTSA campaign 87V0850001,600 vehicles affected

    The pin on the shift locking pawl may not be properly welded and could separate, allowing the shift lever to move into any position while driving without pressing the safety release button. The shift locking pawl will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
    Defect
    PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.
    Consequence
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: SHIFT LOCKING PAWL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.

  8. Rear seat brackets may not engage properly

    Reported June 8, 1987Model years 1987NHTSA campaign 87V0830002,397 vehicles affected

    Rear passenger seat brackets may not engage properly, allowing a seat to break loose during acceleration and injure an occupant. The brackets will be checked to ensure they are properly engaged.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
    Consequence
    SEAT COULD BREAK LOOSE DURING ACCELERATION AND CAUSEINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
    Remedy
    ASSURE THAT SEAT BRACKETS ARE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: REARWARD PASSENGER SEAT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES.

  9. Fuel flow may be restricted and stall the engine

    Reported April 14, 1987Model years 1986–1987NHTSA campaign 87V05200015,500 vehicles affected

    Fuel with Reid pressure up to 14 PSI, under high engine load and high ambient temperatures, could restrict fuel flow and stall the engine. Install a new fuel tank with a redesigned fuel filter and modified control units.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    USAGE OF FUEL WITH REID PRESSURE UP TO 14 PSI COULD, UNDER HIGH ENGINE LOAD AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LEAD TO STALLING.
    Consequence
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL TANK.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES.

  10. Fuel tank filler neck may allow fuel to escape

    Reported April 14, 1987Model years 1986NHTSA campaign 87V051000339 vehicles affected

    The filler neck pipe may not seat properly in the fuel tank opening, and the sending unit cover may be deformed. Fuel could escape, creating a potential for fire. Install a redesigned filler neck pipe and replace the sending unit gasket.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
    Defect
    FUEL TANK FILLER NECK PIPE MAY NOT SEAT PROPERLY IN THE FUEL TANK OPENING. ALSO, THE SENDING UNIT COVER MAY BE DEFORMED.
    Consequence
    FUEL COULD ESCAPE, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
    Remedy
    INSTALL A REDESIGNED FILLER NECK PIPE AND REPLACE THE SENDING UNIT GASKET.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL TANK.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN TYPE VEHICLES.

  11. Sliding door latch may fail to engage

    Reported November 19, 1985Model years 1985NHTSA campaign 85V15200018,328 vehicles affected

    The passenger-side sliding door latch may be damaged by forceful closing and fail to engage. The door could open on bumpy roads, allowing a passenger to fall out. The sliding door lock assembly will be modified so the door engages properly.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    MODIFY THE SLIDING DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SO DOOR WILL PROPERLY ENGAGE.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: DOOR LOCK. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN-TYPE WAGON AND CAMPERS.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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