2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Eurovan › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the owner follows these instructions, the head restraint could accidentally separate from the seat in the event of a crash and cause injury to any child occupant seated in the tethered child seat.
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.
Owner complaints
21 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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
- Seats
Driver seat heater caught fire and melted hole in seat. this IS a very dangerous and should be a recall item. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Traveling with two other rialta motor homes visiting joshia tree np when I heard a banging sound like something hitting under my rialta. I immediately noted an increase in water temperature and then the red warning light came on the dash. I pulled to the side of the road, opened the hood, but…
Traveling with two other rialta motor homes visiting joshia tree np when I heard a banging sound like something hitting under my rialta. I immediately noted an increase in water temperature and then the red warning light came on the dash. I pulled to the side of the road, opened the hood, but could not see a busted hose, but there was antifreeze on the ground. I had a spare gallon with me and filled the reservoir to recommended level, drove about 3-4 miles and had to repeat procedure. again I went about 3-4 miles and had to use water this time. a park ranger gave me the name of a repair shop in twentynine, palms which was about 3 miles away. I refilled the reservoir with water to get me to the shop. Upon inspection, a hole was found in the radiator. when the cooling system was dismantled, one cooling fan had completely disintegrated and there was a hole in the shroud apparently where part of the fan bracket that had broken off went through the shroud into the radiator. parts have been ordered to replace the radiator, shroud, bracket and one new fan. The other fan has a chip out of one blade but IS not broken. A friend told me of a recent recall from VW (assigned recall no. 04V-107) regarding failure of the engine cooling fans, which may fracture and break apart. I have also noted that the bracket parts number has changed from 7d0-121-206a to a 7d0-121-206d. One can definitely see the difference in the two, with the later being redesigned and reinforced. I purchased the rialta in april of 2001. The bracket, shroud and radiator are available, but I prefer not to carry the radiator with me due to space constraints and weight. I am traveling for at least two more months. Please note: this ia winnebago rialta on a volkswagen engine. The repair shop may retain the radiator if necessary. bailey's auto repair and towing. Twentynine palms, ca 92277. 760/367-7716. ask for fred. *Tr
- Wheels
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
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…
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.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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
- Electrical system › Wiring · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Intermediate drive gear which controls cam shaft and valve train failed due to non hardened metal . total failure of engine was to ensue, according to volkswagen(maker of vehicle), if driven further. The car was being used to transport my family to seattle ,wa from santa rosa,ca. The failure…
Intermediate drive gear which controls cam shaft and valve train failed due to non hardened metal . total failure of engine was to ensue, according to volkswagen(maker of vehicle), if driven further. The car was being used to transport my family to seattle ,wa from santa rosa,ca. The failure occurred 500 miles from home and 75 miles from nearest dealer. Was advised by VW that a VW dealer must serve as the diagnostic center . The failure occured in winter and with virtually no warning--the "check engine " light illuminated and the engine made a groaning sound. The van (eurovan 2001) was transported by truck to corvallis,or for repairs. Vehicle IS prresently still there and undergoing gear replacement. I was told by the VW service advisor at corvallis that VW had built an unknown number of engines with this defect but did not know in which vehicles they were placed. The vehicle in question has 27,000+/- original miles on engine and all services recommended by VW were made at VW dealerships. I am the original owner.*ak
- 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 VW dealer was not able to find the problem even though many parts were replaced. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber · Suspension › Rear › Springs · Tires
I purchased, new, a 2001 VW eurovan winnebago camper. in 31,000 miles, the vehicle IS now on its' third set of brakes. my last vehicle, a 1992 mazda navajo; I finally replaced brakes at approximately 72,000 miles. my driving IS not an issue with the VW. each set of camper brakes costs, right at…
I purchased, new, a 2001 VW eurovan winnebago camper. in 31,000 miles, the vehicle IS now on its' third set of brakes. my last vehicle, a 1992 mazda navajo; I finally replaced brakes at approximately 72,000 miles. my driving IS not an issue with the VW. each set of camper brakes costs, right at $1,500.00. VW picked-up the cost of brake set #2 at 17,000 miles. an awa, as they are only warranteed for 12,000 miles. ridiculous, to be sure. we have absolutely no warning that the brakes are "going out". once the warning light comes on - you must replace the entire brake system, not just pads. at 3 sets in 31,000 miles; brakes alone are costing $150.00 for every 1,000 miles driven. also, this vehicle has gone through eleven tires in this same time frame, due to inappropriate shocks (not heavy duty), and the collapse of a major spring which supports the camper in the rear of the vehicle on the left side. I have spoken to many other VW camper owners with 2001 models and they are experiencing the same things with brakes and tires. VW and winnebago do not care and will not lower the price of their brake systems, nor even provide the part numbers for any heavy duty shocks that can be put on this vehicle, not absorb the costs of the very expensive and unique tire that must be put on this vehicle due to the load bearing of the camper portion. no brakes should cost this much, no vehicle should go through 11 tires in 31,000 miles. please help.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Suspension › Rear
Dioscovered one of four bolts holding the rear anti-sway bar on my 2001 VW eurovan was loose and required over two full turns before it was tightened to torque specifications.
- Electrical system › Ignition
We are deeply disappointed in vws practice regarding the recall of ignition coil failures on the 2001 VW eurovan. it belies their policy as stated on the internet that they notify owners of the problem, have sufficient parts in dealerships, and offer alternative transportation at no cost. indeed…
We are deeply disappointed in vws practice regarding the recall of ignition coil failures on the 2001 VW eurovan. it belies their policy as stated on the internet that they notify owners of the problem, have sufficient parts in dealerships, and offer alternative transportation at no cost. indeed owners should be alerted of potential failures and VW should have plenty of parts on hand to fix the problem. to date we have not received any notification from VW of america. we discovered the problem when the engine malfunction indicator lit up. fortunately for us, the problem did not occur until the tail end of a 10,000-mile journey across the u.s. And canada. according to the local VW dealer, community VW of santa maria, the repair parts ordered on december 8 will not be available for another three weeks. the other local dealer, kimball motors of san luis obispo, IS also unable to get the parts any faster. yesterday, december 18, our eurovan failed to start. the local dealership has not offered any alternative transportation. so we will be stranded for at least three weeks. we can only hope those repair parts will be delivered on schedule. either VW should live up to their stated commitment by providing repair parts and alternative transportation now or restate the policy to match their actions of letting the buyer beware. we have conveyed this information to VW customer service. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
The engine fell from the vehicle due to a missing bolt, also the transmission was inoperative. *jb the consumer found that the engine and the transmission was rebuilt prior to purchase. the engine light had come on, the consumer's daughter heard a loud rattle and viewed smoke coming from the…
The engine fell from the vehicle due to a missing bolt, also the transmission was inoperative. *jb the consumer found that the engine and the transmission was rebuilt prior to purchase. the engine light had come on, the consumer's daughter heard a loud rattle and viewed smoke coming from the engine area. on another occasion when the consumer had come to an intersection, when accelerated, the vehicle had made a noise then would not move. the bolts had sprayed over the road. scc
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems
While traveling forward at about 2 mph, the propane gas pressure regulator bracket caught a small rise on a public street. the gas pressure regulator bracket broke free of the vehicle and was forced backward into the propane storage tank. the propane storage tank ruptured and immediately…
While traveling forward at about 2 mph, the propane gas pressure regulator bracket caught a small rise on a public street. the gas pressure regulator bracket broke free of the vehicle and was forced backward into the propane storage tank. the propane storage tank ruptured and immediately exhausted about 15 pounds of propane. the propane tank obstructs the designated jacking point on the rear driver side of the vehicle. I placed the supplied jack as close to the jacking point as possible and proceeded to jack up the vehicle. the vehicle collapsed on the jack causing vehicle body damage. I had just removed my hand from under the vehicle while retrieving the pressure regulator bracket. upon investigation I discovered that winnebago had failed to supply a replacement jack as dictated in the volkswagon owners manual.
- Power train › Driveline › Center support bearing
Bracket on vehicle that holds propane tank got caught and almost ruptured that tank. Design IS poor on vehicle for that part. Contacted dealer, and the dealer wasa not willing to do anything.*ak
- Wheels
Steel rims has welds and air IS leaking from the tire. this causes rear tires to go flat. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dealer said brakes did not fail - design problem - car must be started with brake on - I pulled out downhill and brake pedal floorboarded - dealer said to effect I have to pump brakes before using the first time!. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine cooling fan blade fracture
The subject vehicles are built on a volkswagen eurovan chassis and are class c motor homes. On september 5, 2007, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation as rq 07-002 after receiving four consumer reports of fan blade failure on model year 2002 winnebago rialta and vista vehicles.as a…
The subject vehicles are built on a volkswagen eurovan chassis and are class c motor homes. On september 5, 2007, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation as rq 07-002 after receiving four consumer reports of fan blade failure on model year 2002 winnebago rialta and vista vehicles.as a result of additional information received from volkswagen in response to rq 07-002, the investigation was upgraded to engineering analysis (ea) 08-002.the scope of the ea investigation was also expanded to cover model years 2001 through 2004 rialta and vista, 2002 through 2004 sunstar, and 2001 through 2003 eurovan.all of these vehicles utilize the same engine cooling fan.however, the winnebago vehicles are larger and heavier than the eurovan.as a consequence, the cooling fan would operate more frequently in the winnebago vehicles compared to the eurovan for the same on-road operating conditions.analysis of the available data concerning the problem experience indicates that it predominately affects the my 2002 winnebago models.winnebago accounts for 79% of all the reports, but represents only 23% of the total subject vehicle population.the majority of the winnebago reports are for the model year 2002 (64%).the data show a declining report trend, particularly for the 2002 winnebago.reports on the 2002 winnebago reached a high of 11 reports in calendar year 2005, dropping to three reports in 2006,two reports in 2007, and one report in 2008.an existing safety related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Engine cooling fan blade fracture
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on four reportsalleging failure of an engine cooling fan in the subject vehicles.three of the complainants alleged the fan disintegrated and two of the three alleged the radiator was damaged as a result.the fourth complainant alleged that his…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on four reportsalleging failure of an engine cooling fan in the subject vehicles.three of the complainants alleged the fan disintegrated and two of the three alleged the radiator was damaged as a result.the fourth complainant alleged that his vehicle experienced violent shaking and overheating.when the vehicle was inspected, it was noted that pieces of the fan were missing.all four vehicles were class c motor homes built on a volkswagen eurovan chassis.two of the vehicles are rialta models and two are vista models.based onadditional information received from volkswagen odi IS upgrading this investigation toengineering analysis ea 08-002 for further study.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10239534HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239532HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239403If key blade is found to stick or bind when opening or closing, check position of roll pin that secures key blade to mechanism. If roll pin is sticking out on either side (as shown below), do not replace key. Instead, use appropriate sized punch and hammer to drive in the roll pin so that it is flush with edge of mechanism.
- 10239270Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014
- 10239262In SAGA, the time units for the Volkswagen DoubleCheck labor operation were reduced in error from 50 time units to 30 time units during the system update posted on July 4th.
- 10238972The use of tire dressing gives your tires that shiny finish that completes the image of a clean (new) vehicle. There are many different tire dressing products available. When choosing a product please pay close attention to its contents. Always use a water based product.
- 10238960To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238959To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238935When performing SVM updates, the scan tool should be hardwired to the vehicle and the Bluetooth physically turned off. A hard wired internet connection is also recommended.
- 10238932If a needed service part is on back order, upgrade the daily order to a red order and check the ?Car Down? box to escalate the order. If parts assistance is needed, please call 800-767-6552 to speak with a VWGoA Parts Specialist.
- 10238931If a needed service part is on back order, upgrade the daily order to a red order and check the ?Car Down? box to escalate the order. If parts assistance is needed, please call 800-767-6552 to speak with a VWGoA Parts Specialist.
- 10238600Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the installation procedures outlined in ELSA. For the flywheel/flexplate, please be certain the correct shim is installed between it and the crankshaft (reference VWIQ120). When installing a torque converter, press the torque converter hub through the seal as far as the first stop. Turn the torque converter while pushing toward the transmission using light force, until the cut outs in the torque converter hub lock into the pump wheel plate. The torque converter slides in. The torque converter is installed correctly if it is easy to turn by hand and if it fits evenly in the transmission bell housing. Additionally, it should spin freely when the transmission bell housing bolts are torqued to the engine block, prior to installation of the flywheel to converter bolts (reference VWIQ121).
- 10238572Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10237766The DLC is intended for use with diagnostic scan tools and by emissions testing stations. However, aftermarket devices (i.e., drive data recorders) that connect to the DLC have now become available.
Every Volkswagen Eurovan model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.