2001 Volkswagen Eurovan: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Reliable internet automotive sources have listed excessive wear of the intermediate (balance shaft) valve timing chain sprocket in early 2001 24-valve vr6 engines. The inadequately hardened sprocket teeth will veer excessively, such that chain "jumpeds" a tooth and since the vr6 is an "interference" valve-train engine, the engine will essentially be irreparably damaged. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2014
“Engine cooling fan blade failure. The larger of the 2 fan blade wheels has a large missing piece which has somehow disintegrated without any reasonable explanation. I understand there was an investigation of the eurovan engine cooling fan blade, however a recall has not been issued, while there was a recall on the rialta, which uses the same fan as the eurovan. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2011
“Tl*- the contact stated that while having the wheels on the 2001 volkswagen euro van with14000 failure mileage inspected due to constant air leakage the mechanic discovered stress cracks in the two rear wheels. The current mileage was 16100.*ak”Owner report · Wheels · Feb 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving smoke was smelled. The smoke was discovered coming from the front passenger seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. They determined the seat heater burned the seat. The heater and seat were replaced. After picking up the vehicle from the dealership, while driving home the engine blew and the vehicle was taken back to the dealership again. The dealership inspected and determined the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified; however no additional repairs were made.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2005
“Dt: contact states vehicle will not start. However, after wriggling the ignition switch the vehicle will start. The service dealer stated it would be an expensive repair, the wriggling of the ignition mightl resolve the problem.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2005
“Vehicle experienced electrical wiring problems in front windows on both sides. When pressing the button down to lower the window smoke came out of the door. Consumer took vehicle to a local repair shop, and replaced the wiring which controlled both front windows. Also, the wiring burned down to the control panel.*ak.....consumer paid $491,98 for repairs. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2004
“My brakes are soft and fail to keep the car at rest. The problem started on 09/29/2004. Since then the vw dealer was not able to find the problem even though many parts were replaced. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2004
“Air conditioner compressor failure at just over 25,000 miles. Other volkswagen eurovan drivers have reported similar failures, including seizing of the compressor, immediate loss of the compressor drive belt, and a resulting loss of power steering control, which could result in loss of vehicle control.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2004
“When attempting to pull off from a light vehicle had a delay in acceleration. Driver had to push gas pedal almost to the floor. Then vehicle would jump forward. *ak *sc”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2004
“Vw used plastic in the eurovan's oil filter housing. During two oil changes (5,000 miles and then at 64,000 miles) the plastic oil filter housing was cracked during routine oil changes which then caused oil loss and subsequent engine damage/failures. As a result our eurovan has spent 5 months in the shop for one engine rebuild and then one engine replacement!*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGES (TETHER ANCHORAGES) FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD RESTRAINTS INSTALLED IN THE THREE REARMOST SEATING POSITIONS, THE "SAFETY FIRST" PORTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL DELIVERED WITH THESE VEHICLES INCORRECTLY INSTRUCTS OWNERS TO GUIDE THE TETHER STRAP UNDERNEATH THE SEAT'S HEAD RESTRAINT AND TO RAISE THE HEAD RESTRAINT SLIGHTLY, IF NECESSARY.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A NEW "SAFETY FIRST" BOOKLET THAT WILL CONTAIN CORRECTED USE INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE BOOKLET WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Eurovan by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:owners/service/other manual. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.