1986 Volkswagen Vanagon problems

Common 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon problems

Common Problems with the Volkswagen Vanagon 1986

• Head Gasket Leak: This is a complicated issue and a misnomer of sorts, as leaks coming from the cylinder heads are never good news. The VW head design is often considered flawed, and corrosion or metal pitting can cause leaks. Flushing the engine's coolant every two years can help prolong the life of your seals and gaskets, preventing corrosion buildup.

• Coolant Quality: Rust can be a significant problem in Vanagons, especially if the coolant is not properly maintained. Using good-quality phosphate-free propylene glycol is recommended to prevent rust buildup.

• Electrical Issues: Bad grounds, blown fuses, missing fuses, wrong fuses, and split wiring can all cause weird problems in the Vanagon. Regular inspection and maintenance of the electrical system are essential to ensure the vehicle's reliable operation.

• Mechanical Disasters: The Vanagon is an old platform and can be prone to mechanical disasters like head gasket failure. However, with proper maintenance, these issues can be nearly avoided.

• Engine Performance: The Vanagon's engine may show signs of impending failure, especially if it is original and has not been properly serviced. Regular maintenance and inspection of the engine are crucial to ensure its reliable operation.

• Drivetrain Issues: The Vanagon's drivetrain can also be prone to failure, especially if the vehicle is not maintained properly. Regular inspection and maintenance of the drivetrain are essential to ensure the vehicle's reliable operation.

• Body Rust: Seam rust is a real problem in Vanagons, and the vehicle can begin to rust if left outside. Regular inspection and maintenance of the vehicle's body are essential to prevent rust buildup.

• Performance Issues: The Vanagon's performance can be affected by various factors, including the engine, drivetrain, and electrical system. Regular inspection and maintenance of these systems are crucial to ensure the vehicle's reliable operation.

• Driving Experience: The Vanagon's driving experience can be quite different from modern vehicles, with a slow acceleration and a unique driving position. Adjusting to these differences can take some time, but with practice, it can become second nature.

In summary, the Volkswagen Vanagon 1986 is an old platform that requires regular maintenance and inspection to ensure its reliable operation. Electrical issues, mechanical disasters, engine performance, drivetrain issues, body rust, and driving experience are all common problems that Vanagon owners may encounter. Regular maintenance and inspection of these systems can help prevent potential issues and ensure the vehicle's reliable operation.

Are Volkswagen Vanagons reliable?

Volkswagen Vanagon Reliability Problems

Vanagon owners have made 1 complaint over 1 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th in overall reliability out of 25 VW models , with plenty of cooling system concerns.

What is the Vanagon syndrome?

The theory of the vanagon syndrome is the wiper gets a vibratory resonance. This bouncing of the wiper on the resistance track causes the voltage to go all over the place making the ECU loose track of the actual fuel air ratio it needs along with the incorrect ignition map. So the car is bucking and acting weird.

What year is the best Vanagon?

Generally speaking, the 1986-1991 Vanagons are the most highly evolved of all. The 83.5-85 1.9 wasserboxers are really good vans too though and they are considerably cheaper than the later models. The 80-83 air-cooled models are the only ones I would really steer clear of.

How many miles per gallon does a VW Vanagon get?

Based on data from 24 vehicles, 863 fuel-ups and 138,298 miles of driving, the 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 16.04 with a 0.23 MPG margin of error.

Are Volkswagen Vanagons reliable?

Volkswagen Vanagon Reliability Problems

Vanagon owners have made 1 complaint over 1 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th in overall reliability out of 25 VW models , with plenty of cooling system concerns.

What is the Vanagon syndrome?

The theory of the vanagon syndrome is the wiper gets a vibratory resonance. This bouncing of the wiper on the resistance track causes the voltage to go all over the place making the ECU loose track of the actual fuel air ratio it needs along with the incorrect ignition map. So the car is bucking and acting weird.

What year is the best Vanagon?

Generally speaking, the 1986-1991 Vanagons are the most highly evolved of all. The 83.5-85 1.9 wasserboxers are really good vans too though and they are considerably cheaper than the later models. The 80-83 air-cooled models are the only ones I would really steer clear of.

What size engine is in the 1986 Vanagon?

2.1-liter

Perhaps the most significant upgrade was a more powerful engine. Starting in 1986 and continuing through the end of its U.S. run in 1991, the Vanagon was equipped with a 2.1-liter water-cooled four-cylinder engine that generated 95 horsepower, up from 83 horsepower the previous year.

1986 Volkswagen Vanagon car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Vanagon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Fuel system problems
• Equipment problems
• Gasoline problems
• Seat belts problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.