1988 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 2.1L 5MT
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Westfalia, Front Right, 08-15-2021 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro Westfalia (T3) by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Techno Classica 2018, Essen (IMG 9639) by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: VW T3 Syncro 4WD (rear) (34297688950) by Sam Beebe, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Volkswagen Westfalia (Typ 2 - T3) Interior (4651436324) by Spanish Coches, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 2.1L 5MT is a 95-hp 2.1-liter flat-4 with a 5-speed manual and all-wheel drive. It is rated at 14 mpg combined.
It makes 95 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 117 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 14 mpg city and 15 mpg highway (14 mpg combined).
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Minivan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.1L OHV flat-4 (Wasserboxer) |
| Displacement | 2.1 L |
| Horsepower | 95 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 117 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | All-wheel drive (Syncro) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 14 MPG |
| Highway | 15 MPG |
| Combined | 14 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded gasoline |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 2.1L 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1988 Volkswagen VANAGON. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Oct 29, 1993 · 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 93V175000
May 1, 1989 · 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.
Consequence: FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
Remedy: THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
NHTSA campaign 89V067000
May 6, 1988 · 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.
Consequence: TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
NHTSA campaign 88V076000
Apr 5, 1988 · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
IMPROPER JACK FURNISHED WITH VEHICLES.
Consequence: THE JACK MAY NOT REACH FAR ENOUGH INTO THE JACKETSPROVIDED ON BOTH SIDED OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE IMPROPER JACK IS USED, IT COULDSLIP AND POSSIBLY INJURE A PERSON STANDING TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: REPLACE JACK WITH THE PROPER TYPE FOR VEHICLE.
NHTSA campaign 88V056000
3 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Volkswagen VANAGON
Owner Complaints
3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Volkswagen VANAGON (1 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Fuel System | 2 |
| Gasoline | 2 |
| Structure | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1988 VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.