1990 Volkswagen Vanagon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon: 2 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #92V058000 · 1992 · 358,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
The fix: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
Equipment Vehicle recall #93V175000 · 1993 · 29,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a reinforcement plate at the connections of both the center and rear air flow ducts.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (5): the most common themes are leaks (3).
- Engine & cooling (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon has 13 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 2 Vanagon model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 11). Complaints peaked in 1998 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (9 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 L 4-cyl | Manual 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 18 | 17 | Regular |
| 2.1 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 16 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (5), engine & cooling (4), electrical (2).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (2.1 L, Manual 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.