1987 Volkswagen vanagon
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Volkswagen vanagon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1987 Volkswagen vanagon at a glance
Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1987 Volkswagen vanagon recalls 7
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.
Fix: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fix: THE IN LINE FUEL FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE.
SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
Fix: ASSURE THAT SEAT BRACKETS ARE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.
Fix: 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.
Fix: INSTALL A NEW FUEL TANK, CONTAINING A REDESIGNED FUEL FILTER, AS WELL AS MODIFIED CONTROL UNITS.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1987 Volkswagen vanagon common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1987 Volkswagen vanagon MPG & running costs
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.
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.
1987 Volkswagen vanagon trims & engines on record
1987 Volkswagen vanagon vehicles on record
Other Volkswagen vanagon model years
1987 Volkswagen vanagon — frequently asked questions
Does the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon?
Across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Volkswagen vanagon get?
The 1987 Volkswagen vanagon has U.S. EPA estimates of 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.