1988 Volkswagen Vanagon
US · Van · Vans
The 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon is listed in the US market as a van with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- 2.1L 4-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.1L 4-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 2.1 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 3 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
3 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 8, 2026.
93V175000: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
Reported October 29, 1993. View on NHTSA
89V067000: 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.
Remedy: THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Reported May 1, 1989. View on NHTSA
88V076000: 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.
Remedy: REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
Reported May 6, 1988. View on NHTSA
88V056000: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
IMPROPER JACK FURNISHED WITH VEHICLES.
Remedy: REPLACE JACK WITH THE PROPER TYPE FOR VEHICLE.
Reported April 5, 1988. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 22, 2026
Data verified: October 23, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Compare
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon have?
2.1L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon?
Combined fuel economy is 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 8, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.