Volkswagen Eurovan Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 7, 2025 · 136 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 136 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file for the Volkswagen Eurovan, across 9 model years (1995–2004). The 2002 model year has the most complaints (35). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.

Peak: 2002, with 35 complaints
1995: 6199561997: 141997141998: 2199821999: 171999172000: 252000252001: 212001212002: 352002352003: 152003152004: 120041

n = 136 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Volkswagen Eurovan years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Eurovan year: 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2002 Eurovan: 35 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2000 Eurovan: 25 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2001 Eurovan: 21 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2004 Eurovan: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 1998 Eurovan: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 1995 Eurovan: 6 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Volkswagen Eurovan problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine and Engine Cooling4170
Electrical System1960
Seats1350
Seat Belts1251
Equipment1170
Service Brakes, Hydraulic962
Visibility960
Power Train850
Structure640
Tires640
Engine430
Suspension430
Wheels430
Fuel System, Gasoline320
Latches/locks/linkages320
Steering330
Fuel System, Other220
Vehicle Speed Control220
Exterior Lighting110
Fuel/propulsion System110
Service Brakes110

All Volkswagen Eurovan model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2004 Eurovan10—Tires
2003 Eurovan151—Engine and Engine CoolingAbout as many complaints as other years
2002 Eurovan350—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
2001 Eurovan211—Engine and Engine CoolingMore complaints than other years
2000 Eurovan250—Engine and Engine CoolingMore complaints than other years
1999 Eurovan170—Seat BeltsAbout as many complaints as other years
1998 Eurovan20—Steering
1997 Eurovan141—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
1995 Eurovan60—Engine and Engine Cooling

More from Volkswagen: all Volkswagen models · Volkswagen VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Volkswagen Eurovan years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2002 (35) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Eurovan year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Volkswagen Eurovan?

Engine and Engine Cooling, with 41 complaints across 7 model years.

How many recalls does the Volkswagen Eurovan have?

3 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.