Major Problems with Volkswagen EuroVan Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used Volkswagen EuroVan to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

Custom-fit Add-ons

Torque wrench
Mechanic tool set
Tool box

Best and Worst Years for Volkswagen EuroVan

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of Volkswagen EuroVan.

Model Year	Complaints
2003 EuroVan	14
2002 EuroVan	34
2001 EuroVan	21
2000 EuroVan	25
1999 EuroVan	16

Worst 3 Volkswagen EuroVan complaints

2002 Volkswagen EuroVan ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Victims: 1

2000 Volkswagen EuroVan SEAT BELTS Victims: 1 Mileage: 216312 miles

1999 Volkswagen EuroVan BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Victims: 1

Browse Volkswagen EuroVan complaints by category

Problems with FAN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SEATS are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Volkswagen EuroVan owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
FAN > COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING radiator fans disintegrated while driving and made a hole in radiator. this is a vw eurovan 2002 and there was...	20 ~ 40170 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM faulty seat heater in drivers seat caused fire inside the vehicle. it is a 2003 volkswagen eurovan. it was warming...	9 ~ 53508 miles
SEATS while driving on city street the passenger seat heater caught the seat on fire burning seat cover and passenger's coat...	7 ~ 117662 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING i have a 2003 rialta qd. two days ago in a very remote area my radiator fan exploded and tore...	7 ~ 39650 miles
SEAT HEATER/COOLER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS faulty seat heater in drivers seat caused fire inside the vehicle. it is a 2003 volkswagen eurovan. it was warming...	5 ~ 100300 miles
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen eurovan. the transmission was replaced within six years at 40 000 by the dealer...	5 ~ 55995 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER the cover of the components underneath the steering wheel fell off while driving on a highway. it landed right on...	4 ~ 61250 miles
COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING for the second time the cooling fan assembly on my volkswagen vanagon (winnebago rialta conversion) has failed catastrophically. the fan...	4 ~ 58877 miles
SEAT BELTS the passenger seat belt locks up and does not extend once locked up. one has to undo and reel it...	4 ~ 91578 miles
ENGINE driving about 30 mph straight and level down main street in woodland park co and experienced a loud pop noise...	3 ~ 116351 miles
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE passenger side sliding door does not latch fully and may not lock/unlock or latch at all at temperatures below 30...	3 ~ 23600 miles
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES passenger side sliding door does not latch fully and may not lock/unlock or latch at all at temperatures below 30...	3 ~ 23600 miles
TIRES i was driving on i-94 north of detroit when i experienced a major shaking of the vehicle. i was able...	3 ~ 43000 miles
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING on 01/09/03 i purchased a 2003 vw eurovan & on 01/18/09 my engine light came on. on 01/20/03 i was...	3 ~ 20330 miles
ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC dealer said brakes did not fail - design problem - car must be started with brake on - i pulled...	3 ~ 20000 miles
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > FRONT > SEAT BELTS the rear seat female buckle apparatus breaks when a car seat is installed. the base plate of the buckle breaks...	3
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > REAR/OTHER > SEAT BELTS tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen eurovan. the contact noticed that the rear middle seat belt buckle had broken...	2 ~ 113000 miles
AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen eurovan. before the vehicle was driven off the dealer's lot the air conditioning motor	2 ~ 68483 miles
GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING we just experienced a expensive ($4500) problem with the volkswagen eurovan/winnebago rialta. actually the problem was relatively minor but...	2 ~ 39500 miles
WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM vehicle experienced electrical wiring problems in front windows on both sides. when pressing the button down to lower the window...	2 ~ 53750 miles
POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS > VISIBILITY vehicle experienced electrical wiring problems in front windows on both sides. when pressing the button down to lower the window...	2 ~ 64250 miles
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM i can not find the complaint where i already described a dangerous event which caused the engine to race buck...	2 ~ 18137 miles
12V/24V/48V BATTERY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM i can not find the complaint where i already described a dangerous event which caused the engine to race buck...	2 ~ 7500 miles
WHEELS steel rims has welds and air is leaking from the tire. this causes rear tires to go flat. dealership is	2 ~ 7000 miles
MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen eurovan. while the vehicle was parked or idling there was a strong odor....	1 ~ 92000 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE sliding passenger door will not latch closed when temperatures are below freezing....	1 ~ 50000 miles
SERVICE BRAKES was driving on the freeway when the brake light appeared on the dash board was on my way to my...	1 ~ 130730 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM the issue with the vehicle is that an excessive amount of pressure and heat builds up inside the gas tank...	1 ~ 180000 miles
LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS > WHEELS 2002 winnebago mounted on a volkswagen euro van chassis. consumer writes in regards to loosing one of the fasteners to...	1
TREAD/BELT > TIRES i was driving on i-94 north of detroit when i experienced a major shaking of the vehicle. i was able...	1 ~ 69000 miles
STRUCTURE the oem cd changer installed under the passenger seat of my 99 eurovan used screws that penetrated the gas tank....	1 ~ 91823 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE the oem cd changer installed under the passenger seat of my 99 eurovan used screws that penetrated the gas tank....	1 ~ 91823 miles
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT the oem cd changer installed under the passenger seat of my 99 eurovan used screws that penetrated the gas tank....	1 ~ 91823 miles
ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT three times in the last 3 years (2003-2005) i have had to replace my engine cooling fans on a 2000...	1 ~ 50000 miles
SWITCH > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM dt: contact states vehicle will not start. however after wriggling the ignition switch the vehicle will start. the service	1
HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING dt:i brake light will come on . when the brake light comes on the headlights go off/the windshield wipers stop...	1 ~ 93000 miles
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY dt:i brake light will come on . when the brake light comes on the headlights go off/the windshield wipers stop...	1 ~ 93000 miles
BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING dt:i brake light will come on . when the brake light comes on the headlights go off/the windshield wipers stop...	1 ~ 93000 miles
CABLES > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL we have experienced repeated electrical problems with 2002 volkswagen eurovan. many electrical components have been replaced including generator battery throttle...	1 ~ 31570 miles
CONTROL UNIT/MODULE > ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC we have experienced repeated electrical problems with 2002 volkswagen eurovan. many electrical components have been replaced including generator battery throttle...	1 ~ 31570 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC my brakes are soft and fail to keep the car at rest. the problem started on 09/29/2004. since then the	1
MOTOR > WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY while driving in inclement weather windshield wipers came on and off intermittently. consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection and	1
BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS > GASOLINE > ENGINE air conditioner compressor failure at just over 25 000 miles. other volkswagen eurovan drivers have reported similar failures including seizing...	1 ~ 25750 miles
PUMP > HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST > STEERING air conditioner compressor failure at just over 25 000 miles. other volkswagen eurovan drivers have reported similar failures including seizing...	1 ~ 25750 miles
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL when attempting to pull off from a light vehicle had a delay in acceleration. driver had to push gas pedal	1 ~ 11000 miles
MACPHERSON STRUT > FRONT > SUSPENSION i purchased new a 2001 vw eurovan winnebago camper. in 31 000 miles the vehicle is now on its' third...	1 ~ 60000 miles
SHOCK ABSORBER > FRONT > SUSPENSION i purchased new a 2001 vw eurovan winnebago camper. in 31 000 miles the vehicle is now on its' third...	1 ~ 60000 miles
SPRINGS > REAR > SUSPENSION i purchased new a 2001 vw eurovan winnebago camper. in 31 000 miles the vehicle is now on its' third...	1 ~ 60000 miles
ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen eurovan. while driving at 30 mph the vehicle stalled. the contact stated that this...	1 ~ 15000 miles
INTERIOR/UNDER DASH > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM simultaneous failure of insulation on many wires in driver's door wiring harness caused sparks and electrical malfunction of power windows...	1 ~ 49000 miles
TANK ASSEMBLY > LPG SYSTEMS > RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER while driving at 75 mph vehicle cover to the propane tank flew off without warning. *ak...	1
LABELS > OTHER > EQUIPMENT no certification labels and instructions on air pressure for the front and rear tires. dealer stated call the manufacturer but	1
ANCHORAGE > FRONT > SEAT BELTS while traveling on the highway the seat belt in the center of third row seat will not stay close. please	1
CARRIER/RACK > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT tl*the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen eurovan. the contact stated that the metal bracket which holds the luggage rack onto...	1 ~ 30000 miles
FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM i can not find the complaint where i already described a dangerous event which caused the engine to race buck...	1
LPG SYSTEMS > RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER > EQUIPMENT while traveling forward at about 2 mph the propane gas pressure regulator bracket caught a small rise on a public...	1
RETRACTOR > FRONT > SEAT BELTS while driving and pressing brakes seat belt retractor failed causing injuries.*ak...	1
CENTER SUPPORT BEARING > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN bracket on vehicle that holds propane tank got caught and almost ruptured that tank. design is poor on vehicle for	1
REAR > SUSPENSION dioscovered one of four bolts holding the rear anti-sway bar on my 2001 vw eurovan was loose and required over	1 ~ 20000 miles
WINDSHIELD > VISIBILITY while driving 70 mph driver's rear side window shatterered for unknown reason. dealer was notified. feel free to provide any	1
LINKAGES > REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY winshield wipers froze during very light snow causing them to stop working. *ak...	1
SLIDE-IN CAMPER > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT weekender model the "h" shaped which is used to push up/ pop van so some one can sleep up there....	1
DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY gas fumes coming through heater/ air conditioner and ventilation during hot weather condition. vehicle been into dealer shop on several	1
DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC the vehicle currently has about 71 000 miles. on 10-9-01 it was inspected by mcnevin vw in berkeley ca at...	1
DRUM > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC the vehicle currently has about 71 000 miles. on 10-9-01 it was inspected by mcnevin vw in berkeley ca at...	1
FRONT UNDERHOOD > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM power windows failed to operate. this was caused by an electrical fire in the wiring harness that burnt the insulation.*ak	1 ~ 70000 miles
POWER STEERING FLUID > HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST > STEERING consumer stated that while he was driving cooling fan disintegrated and broke into a thousand pieces and a piece got...	1

FAQ

What year Volkswagen EuroVan is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 5 years, Volkswagen EuroVan models of 2003, 1999, 2001 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for Volkswagen EuroVan?

Volkswagen EuroVan models of 2002 and 2000 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

Torque wrench

EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrenc...
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISE - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONGEVITY -...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...