1987 Volkswagen Vanagon

$15,995
from
2
listings
$16K–$22K
price range
Low$15,995
High$22,000
From$15,995
Avg Mileage175,000 mi
Fresh

Sourced from 2 dealer listings in the latest market snapshot as of

Safety

7 active recalls on record. Review the safety section before buying

1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Trims

All Trims Combined
From$15,995
$16K$22K
2 listings175,000 avg miles

1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Pricing

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Volkswagen Vanagon Safety & Reliability

Elevated

The 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon has a elevated safety risk profile with 7 recall campaigns and 13 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

7
Recalls
13
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
Recall Findings
87V0850001987-08-06
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.

IF PIN SEPARATES FROM PAWL, DRIVER WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVETHE SHIFT LEVER DURING DRIVING INTO ANY POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING SAFETYRELEASE BUTTON.

View at NHTSA
87V0830001987-08-06
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.

SEAT COULD BREAK LOOSE DURING ACCELERATION AND CAUSEINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

View at NHTSA
93V1750001993-29-10
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.

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.

View at NHTSA
View all 7 recalls
88V0760001988-06-05
TIRES

DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.

TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.

View at NHTSA
88V0380001988-23-03
FUEL 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.

SHOULD SEEPAGE OCCUR, LEAKING FUEL CAN CAUSE A RISK OFFIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

View at NHTSA
87V0520001987-14-04
FUEL 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.

FUEL FLOW COULD BECOME RESTRICTED AND CAUSE THE ENGINETO STALL.

View at NHTSA
89V0670001989-01-05
VEHICLE 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.

FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 13 owners have filed complaints about the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Fuel System, Gasoline5
02Engine And Engine Cooling2
03Tires1
04Equipment1
05Seats1
13 total across 1 model years (1987–1987)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Volkswagen Vanagon Fuel Economy

14–15mpg combined
·
13-15city
·
14-17hwy
·
$4,500-$4,800/yr

Across 3 configurations, the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon returns 14–15 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim
Vanagon/Camper 2WD - Manual 4-spd
15mpg
2.1L 4-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive
15 city17 hwy~$4,500/yr-1/10 Poor
Vanagon Syncro 4WD - Manual 5-spd
14mpg
2.1L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
14 city14 hwy~$4,800/yr-1/10 Poor
Vanagon/Camper 2WD - Automatic 3-spd
14mpg
2.1L 4-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive
13 city15 hwy~$4,800/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon

3States

33% of the market sits in Michigan, though listings span 3 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 1987.

1987 Volkswagen Vanagon: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon a good car to buy?

The 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon has its strengths and its watch-outs. 7 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report fuel system, gasoline as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?

Yes, 7 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?

Depending on configuration, the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon delivers 14–15 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon?

Out of 13 owner complaints, fuel system, gasoline issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 1987 compare to other Volkswagen Vanagon years?

Each Volkswagen Vanagon model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Volkswagen Vanagon overview page.

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