From the NHTSA website:

There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be
eligible for free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on
the date the defect or non-compliance is determined. Under the law, the age
of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser.
For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall ordered,
manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge
only to cars purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should
realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety
defects in older cars, a safety problem may still exist. If you receive
notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the
responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense. Eliminate any
unnecessary safety risks.

LINK:

http://204.238.19.72/cars/problems/recalls/recallprocess.cfm

Of course, you may run into a dealer with a sense of responsibility and
conscience that will undertake the repair at their own expense.... NAH!  Who
am I kidding...

Cheers,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Jeff Stewart
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 3:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Recalls

Good luck with getting the dealer to do those recalls.  VW will not
reimburse them for the work since recalls are only valid on vehicles less
than 10 years old.

Are ya sure about that? In the late 90's a buddy of mine got his heater
boxes replaced on his '72 Westy because of the asbestos issue. Even more
unbelievable, it was not running at the time and VW sent a mechanic to his
house, and he replaced them on the van in front of his house out in the
street!  Jeff