1990 Volkswagen Vanagon problems
The Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) was the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter and was marketed under various nameplates worldwide – including the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe, T25 in the UK, Microbus and Kombi in South Africa/Brazil/Australia, Kampeerauto in Netherlands, Combi in France and Vanagon in North and South America.
It was larger, heavier, and more angular in its styling than its predecessor, the T2, but shared the same rear-engine, cab-over design. It was produced in a rear wheel drive version as well as a 4WD version marketed as "Syncro."
The T3 was manufactured in Hannover, Germany from 1979 until 1991. Production of the Syncro (mostly for official use, like postal service or German army) continued until 1992 at Puch in Graz, Austria, where all 4WDs were built. A limited number of 2WD models were also produced at the Graz factory after German production had come to an end. South African production of the T3 continued, for that market only, until 2002.
The T3 was the final generation of rear-engined Volkswagens.
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Common 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon problems
Common Problems with the Volkswagen Vanagon 1990 Based on Owner Complaints:
- Head Gasket Leak:
The most significant issue reported by Volkswagen Vanagon 1990 owners is the head gasket leak. This problem is complex and concerning as leaks from the cylinder heads are generally not a good sign. The causes of these leaks can vary, with some attributing it to a flawed VW head design or corrosion/metal pitting. The repair process for this issue is not DIY-friendly, often requiring specialized tools and expertise. It is recommended to flush the engine's coolant every two years to extend the life of seals and gaskets, preventing corrosion buildup. Leaks can occur in various areas, including cylinder head tubes and valve covers, leading to different levels of repair costs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. - Fuel Line and Injector Trouble:
Another common problem with the Volkswagen Vanagon 1990 is fuel line and injector trouble. Aging and neglected fuel lines are often the culprits behind on-board fires in Vanagons. This issue poses a significant safety risk and requires immediate attention. Regular inspection and maintenance of fuel lines are crucial to prevent potential hazards and ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability. - Starting Issues When Semi-Warm:
Owners have reported starting problems with the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon, particularly when the vehicle is semi-warm. This issue manifests as difficulty starting the engine after short errands, where the vehicle may crank but fail to ignite. Some owners have noted the smell of gas from the exhaust pipe during these instances. One workaround reported is pushing the gas pedal all the way in and cranking for an extended period, which can sometimes help start the engine. This problem may require diagnostic checks to identify the root cause and address it effectively.
These common problems highlight the challenges faced by Volkswagen Vanagon 1990 owners, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and expert attention to ensure the vehicle's longevity and performance.
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 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.
Are vanagons easy to work on?
If the car is old enough then it is quite simple in design and you can repair, refurbish, or replace everything on it. The Vanagon is special as VW gifted it with numerous design deficiencies, many of which affect safety. By now, they are all known and can be modified with aftermarket solutions.
What is the gas mileage on a 1990 VW Vanagon?
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon MPG
Based on data from 39 vehicles, 2,447 fuel-ups and 475,329 miles of driving, the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 16.81 with a 0.15 MPG margin of error.
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 is Vanagon syndrome?
Vanagon Syndrome is just another name for bucking, rich running, etc. All Vanagons can have those symptoms. If you are experiencing this symptoms with whatever year fuel injected Vanagon, follow my advice and it will help you find the source of the problem.
What is 1990 VW Vanagon worth?
The value of a used 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon ranges from $1,008 to $8,313, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
How safe are vanagons?
Also vanagons usually had above average safety rating for the year they were produced. PDXWesty wrote: You actually won't find a much safer vehicle than the Vanagon. I thought the same as you until I walked away from a head on without injury.
1990 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
- Gasoline problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-29
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING ANTI FREEZE WILL LEAK FROM THE ENGINE CAUSE AND DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-05
- VIN: WV2YB0259LH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN THE WEATHER TURNED COLD THE JUNCTION OF A SMALL, PLASTIC FUEL LINE WITH AN OVERLAPPING RUBBER FUEL LINE (HELD TOGETHER WITH A LARGE CRIMP CONNECTOR) STARTED TO LEAK DIRECTLY ON THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP. THE RUBBER IN THE FUEL LINE HAD DEGRADED AND CRACKED. THIS CRIMP CONNECTOR COULD NOT BE TIGHTENED OR EASILY REPLACED TO ELIMINATE THE LEAK. MANY EUROVAN OWNERS ON THE INTERNET HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR FUEL LEAKS. I COULDN'T AFFORD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR SO I REPLACED THE DEGRADED RUBBER HOSE MYSELF, USING RUBBER HOSE FROM AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND SCREW-TYPE STAINLESS STEEL HOSE CLAMPS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WV2YB0252LH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: PLASTIC CROSSOVER HOSE ON TOP OF FUEL WAS CRACKED & LEAKED FLUID. THE FUEL TANK IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF ENGINE. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WV2ZB025XLG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 1990 VW VANAGON HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF INTERMITTENT POWER LOSSES FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE IN 1990 UNTIL DECEMBER 1998 WHEN VW PART NUMBER 025906302A WAS INSTALLED. SEVERAL OF THESE POWER LOSSES RESULTED IN NEAR ACCIDENTS, ONCE WHEN PASSING A SLOW MOVING TRUCK ON A TWO LANE INTERSTATE WITH ANOTHER TRUCK RIGHT BEHIND ME, SUDDENLY THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. ONLY THE ALERTNESS OF THE TRUCK DRIVER BEHIND ME IN SLOWING QUICKLY PREVENTED AN ACCIDENT. THE JACKSON WY DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON A RECENT TRIP TO WYOMING FROM CALIFORNIA THE INTERMITTENT POWER LOSSES REOCCURRED. AN INDEPENDENT (VW TRAINED) MECHANIC IN JACKSON INFORMED ME THAT A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH AFFECTED ALL VW VANAGONS FROM 1985 ON REQUIRED A NEW WIRING HARNESS TO THE ENGINE AIR CONTROL SYSTEM. THE VW DEALER IN IDAHO FALLS CONFIRMED THAT ALL SUCH WIRING HARNESSES SHOULD BE REPLACED, BUT STATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AS THERE WAS NO RECALL BY VW. THE PROBLEM IS EXPLAINED IN THE VW TECHNICAL BULLETIN 24 93-07 DATED NOVEMBER 15, 1993. VW HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART (APPROXIMATELY $140) ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THERE WAS NO GOVERNMENT MANDATED RECALL. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER VW'S WHICH ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN HAVE THIS SAME DEFECT. VW SHOULD INFORM ALL OF THOSE OWNERS AS THEY SHOULD HAVE INFORMED ME AND VW SHOULD REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES AT NO COST TO THOSE OWNERS. SINCE THIS DESIGN DEFECT IS ADMITTED BY VW TO CAUSE INTERMITTENT POWER LOSSES WHICH OBVIOUSLY CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS IN MANY SITUATIONS, IT WOULD SEEM MOST APPROPRIATE FOR THE DOT TO ORDER THIS RECALL. IF DOT CONSIDERS THAT THIS IS JUST AN ECONOMIC PROBLEM AFFECTING A CLASS OF CONSUMERS AND NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM NECESSITATING A RECALL THEN PLEASE INFORM ME OF THIS DECISION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WV2YB0252LH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION COIL AND WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR CAR AND ROTOR AND OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WV2YB0252LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE MISS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW, INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENT WITH A PLUG ON EITHER END WHICH FITTED BETWEEN THE INTAKE AIR SENSOR AND THE LEAD FROM THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPUTER SOLVED MISSING PROBLEMS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THROUGH HIGH ALTITUDE AREAS THE VEHICLE MAY START RUNNING LIKE IT IS OUT OF GAS, BUT IT REALLY ISN'T. THE FUEL INJECTION COMPUTER DOSEN'T ADJUST TO THE SITUATION. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-26
- VIN: WV2ZB025XLH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER IS COMPLAINING OF A PLASTIC DELIVERING PIPE FOR COOLING WATER FROM THE ENGINE TO THE RADIATOR , THE END PULLED OFF WHICH DUMPED ALL OF THE WATER OUT OF VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST IS TO THE CONSUMER.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-15
- VIN: WV2ZBO255LH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS LEAKED FROM FUEL TANK TWICE. (QCAW)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WV2YBO254LH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHT WHILE ON LOW BEAM.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- VIN: WV2YB0254LH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DESIGN FLAW, CAUSING CORROSION OF ENGINE PARTS/LOSS OF COOLANT.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-17
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MICHELIN TIRES BLEW OUT AND EXPLODED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-22
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FIRST BENCH SEATBELT BROKE IN HALF. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WV2YB0256LH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MFG., RECALL #RV; AIR GETTING INTO FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM CAUSES VEHICLE TO SKIP, IN COLD CONDITIONS. DEALER REPLACED, JEEP STILL SKIPS WHEN WEATHER IS COLD. TT
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
Negative 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon car reviews
Positive 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon car reviews
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I loved it! It was so old yet comfortable, very homely.
Other years of Volkswagen Vanagon
Are you having problems with your 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon?
Skylar Mitchell 2024-09-05
Your 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon is still running and it's a lot of fun to drive, as long as you're not in a hurry.