Complaints
14
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0
Worst 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#11 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
#21 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
#31 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
Fires:1
Considering a 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Other Volkswagen Vanagon Years
1987 Volkswagen Vanagon — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon has 14 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System with 1 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?
Top reported problems: Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System (1 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (1 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline (1 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?
NHTSA complaints for the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon include 0 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 1 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Vanagon reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99