1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon problems
The Volkswagen Vanagon 1991 is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy the outdoors and camping. However, like any other vehicle, it has its fair share of common problems that owners often complain about. Here are some of the most common issues with the Volkswagen Vanagon 1991, based on complaints from owners:
- Leaking Cylinder Head O-rings/Porous Cylinder Heads: This is a common problem in Volkswagen Vanagons, and it can cause the engine to overheat. The cylinder head O-rings can leak, leading to a loss of coolant, which can cause the engine to overheat. Additionally, the cylinder heads themselves can be porous, which can also cause coolant leaks. This issue can be expensive to fix, as it may require replacing the cylinder heads or the entire engine.
- Bad Grounds, Blown Fuses, Missing Fuses, Wrong Fuses, and Split Wiring: These electrical issues can cause all sorts of problems in a Volkswagen Vanagon. Bad grounds can cause intermittent electrical problems, while blown or missing fuses can prevent certain components from working altogether. Wrong fuses can also cause problems, as they may not provide enough power to the components they are supposed to power. Split wiring can cause intermittent electrical problems, as well as prevent certain components from working altogether.
- Fuel Line and Injector Trouble: Aging, neglected fuel lines can be a significant problem in Volkswagen Vanagons. They can cause on-board fires, which can be a serious safety hazard. Additionally, injector trouble can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. It is essential to regularly inspect and replace fuel lines and injectors to prevent these issues.
- Head Gasket Leak: This is a common problem in Volkswagen Vanagons, and it can be a complicated issue to diagnose and fix. Leaks coming from the cylinder heads can be caused by a variety of factors, including a flawed head design or corrosion/metal pitting. Flushing the engine's coolant every two years can help prevent corrosion buildup and prolong the life of the seals and gaskets. However, if the heads are already leaking, it may require a more extensive repair, such as replacing the cylinder head gaskets or the entire engine.
- Overheating: Overheating is a common problem in Volkswagen Vanagons, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including a coolant leak, a failed thermostat, or a faulty radiator fan. It is essential to address overheating issues promptly, as they can cause serious damage to the engine.
In summary, the Volkswagen Vanagon 1991 is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, but it has its fair share of common problems. These include leaking cylinder head O-rings/porous cylinder heads, bad grounds, blown fuses, missing fuses, wrong fuses, and split wiring, fuel line and injector trouble, head gasket leaks, and overheating. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, but some may require more extensive repairs.
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.
Why does my Vanagon keep stalling?
The most common reasons a Volkswagen Vanagon engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
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.
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.
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.
1991 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Equipment problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Volkswagen Vanagon complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-09
- VIN: WV2ZB0251JH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON (N/A) EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO RADIAL 857 TIRES, SIZE: 185/75R14C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD BECAME DETACHED, CAUSING A BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TIRE SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE BELT IN THE TIRE BECAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE TREAD TO BECOME DETACHED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FAILED TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE WAS 7,100. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,615. UPDATED 11-25-13 *BF PICTURE RECEIVED. 12/04/13
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-01
- VIN: WV2ZB0252JH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MY HANKOOK RA08 195R14C TIRE SIDE WALL BLEW OUT AS I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON I-110 AT APPROX. 65 MPH. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE EVENT WAS TO HAPPEN AS THE TIRE DID NOT SEEM DEFLATED WHEN I GET INTO THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING. I TOOK A PICTURE OF THE BLEWOUT TIRE, AND I STILL HAVE THE TIRE, AND I SUSPECT IT WAS THE CASE OF A MANUFACTURE DEFECT BASED ON THE CLEAN TEARS ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. *TR
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-07
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V175000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN HE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT DETACHED FROM THE CEILING OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-02
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: SAME AS MENTIONED IN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 6836 AFFECTING AIR CONDITIONER:HOSE:DUCT:AIR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CAR WAS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE DUE TO CORRODED ENGINE. ENGINE HEAD GASKET HAS BLOWN 2 TIMES AND IS BEING REPLACED FOR THE 3RD TIME.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-06
- VIN: WV2ZB0253MH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE PROBLEMS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WV2ZB0251MG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE TOTALLY DESTROYED VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WV2ZB0254MG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE, ORIGINATING UNDER THE DASH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-29
- VIN: WV2YV0255MG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ONLY IN HEAVY RAIN DOWN POUR THE ENGINE LOSES POWER. TT
1991 Volkswagen Vanagon recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon car reviews
Positive 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon car reviews
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Hello! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my beloved Vanagon. It's been almost 20 years since I bought it, and I never thought I'd be writing a review about it. But with almost 200,000 miles on the original drive train, it has become a part of my family's history. I've used it for numerous Boy Scout campouts, hauling firewood, stuffed bears, cages of chickens and exotic birds. It's extremely durable and reliable, and I can even do most of my own repairs. Despite the lack of aerodynamics, the fuel economy is fair. It's truly a vehicle that you can own your entire life. Thank you for letting me share my story with you!
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This is the third VW Vanagon you can own! It's big inside, well-built, and comfortable. Although the camper (Westfalia) and 4-wheel drive (Syncro) models are expensive, the non-camper style has reasonable prices. All models are sought after and hold their value. The engine is slightly underpowered, especially with the automatic 3-speed transmission, but many owners switch to Subaru engines for increased power. It's a fun vehicle to drive and, if well-maintained, it's very reliable. You'll love it so much that you'll keep yours until the doors fall off!
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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 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon?
Frankie Dare 2024-10-02
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.