The 1980 Volkswagen Vanagon has 2 recalls of equal severity, with the most consequential being front suspension ball joints that can loosen and separate, causing sudden loss of steering control. The front ball joints connect the steering knuckle to the upper suspension arm, and if the attachment bolts work loose, the joint can pull apart while driving. The second recall involves the auxiliary interior heater, whose exhaust pipe vents downward toward the ground. When the vehicle is parked over dry grass, leaves, or similar material, the exhaust heat can ignite that ground covering and start a fire beneath the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The auxiliary interior heater has an exhaust pipe that points downward to the ground. In dry conditions, the hot exhaust could ignite ground coverings like leaves or grass beneath the vehicle.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The bolts connecting the front ball joints to the upper wishbone on each side may not have been tightened to the correct specification, allowing them to loosen and potentially separate.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
