VehicleVerdict

Volkswagen Type Iii years to avoid

Across 1968–1972, no single Type Iii year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 1972 drew the most complaints; 1971 the fewest.

2

Total complaints

7

Recall campaigns

1968–1972

Years covered

0

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Volkswagen Type Iii NHTSA complaints by model year2 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 2 complaints
Volkswagen Type Iii NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Every Type Iii year

YearComplaintsRecalls
197223
197101
196901
196803

Common questions

What is the best year for the Volkswagen Type Iii?

By complaint volume, 1971 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Type Iii years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Volkswagen Type Iii have?

Across all model years, the Type Iii has 7 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.