1987 Volkswagen vanagon Bus(Vanagon)
WV2YB0253HH091608
Vehicle history report for the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon Bus(Vanagon) (VIN WV2YB0253HH091608). Blue, van, 1.9L 4-cyl 90 hp, gasoline. Title: Clean. 177,313 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
No photo of this model yet1987 Volkswagen vanagon · Blue on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 7 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WV2YB0253HH091608, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 7 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1987 Volkswagen vanagon data →
📋 All factory specifications on file1 more field from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1987 Volkswagen vanagon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
OVERHEAD A/C SEPARATION Closed
NHTSA #PE93043 · Visibility · opened May 1993 · closed Oct 1993SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA91026 · Structure · opened Jun 1991 · closed Jan 1992SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE91050 · Structure · opened Feb 1991 · closed Jun 1991An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 1
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT
Bulletin 0101 · Seats · Jun 2001Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the VANAGON. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Engine
IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVATED AND A PRESET SPEED IS RESUMED BY OPERATING THE "RESUME" SWITCH, THE TENSION ON THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WILL DECREASE ALLOWING THE CABLE TO SAG. AS A RESULT, THE CABLE COULD BECOME ENTANGLED WITH A WATER PIPE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. CORRECTION: ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE R…
Transport Canada #1989081 · Jun 1989Fuel System
THE ADDITIONAL IN-LINE FUEL FILTER BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND THE FUEL PUMP MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL SEEPAGE AT THE SEAM OF THE CASING. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, LEAKED FUEL COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE. CORRECTION: FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE. V.I.N. RANGE: ALSO, THE FUEL HOSE ON THE ENGINE'S RIGHT SIDE, COULD, UNDER CERTAIN CLIMATIC A…
Transport Canada #1988062 · Apr 1988Powertrain
ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER LOCKING PIN MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SHIFT LEVER PAWL. DURING FORCEFUL SHIFTING, THE PIN MAY BREAK LOOSE ALLOWING THE SHIFT LEVER TO BE INADVERTENTLY MOVED FROM "D" TO "R" WITHOUT PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND VEHIC…
Transport Canada #1987117 · Nov 1987Fuel System
On certain Vanagon and Vanagon Synchro, vapors could form in the fuel system during high ambient temperature and become trapped in a fuel filter which is permanently attached inside the fuel tank. If this happens, the fuel flow may become restricted and cause the engine to stall. Engine may also stall when fuel with a higher vapor pressure (up to 14 psi) is used since the main…
Transport Canada #1987043 · Apr 1987Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
Safety recall campaigns 7
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
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.
NHTSA Campaign #93V175000 · 29/10/1993VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Remedy: THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
NHTSA Campaign #89V067000 · 01/05/1989TIRES
DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.
Remedy: REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
NHTSA Campaign #88V076000 · 06/05/1988FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
IN LINE FUEL FILTER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP COULD SEEP FUEL AT THE SEAM OF THE PLASTIC CASING.
Remedy: THE IN LINE FUEL FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE.
NHTSA Campaign #88V038000 · 23/03/1988SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
Remedy: ASSURE THAT SEAT BRACKETS ARE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
NHTSA Campaign #87V083000 · 08/06/1987POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.
Remedy: REPLACE SHIFT LOCKING PAWL.
NHTSA Campaign #87V085000 · 08/06/1987FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
USAGE OF FUEL WITH REID PRESSURE UP TO 14 PSI COULD, UNDER HIGH ENGINE LOAD AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LEAD TO STALLING.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL TANK, CONTAINING A REDESIGNED FUEL FILTER, AS WELL AS MODIFIED CONTROL UNITS.
NHTSA Campaign #87V052000 · 14/04/1987These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 13
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon.
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 CHORDS WERE DETACHED FROM THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT C…
NHTSA ODI #10451794FUEL 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. VOLKSWAGON NEVER SENT MY FATHER, THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHIC…
NHTSA ODI #10165800FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 …
NHTSA ODI #10038083EQUIPMENT
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
NHTSA ODI #898395SEATS
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
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #561195FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
NHTSA ODI #729670ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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
Fire · NHTSA ODI #853968VEHICLE 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
NHTSA ODI #812209+ 5 more complaints on record.
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