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U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Volkswagen EUROVAN problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

35 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

69,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 35 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues617.1%
Transmission and shifting411.4%
Braking behavior411.4%
Steering behavior25.7%
Engine operation12.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
7
Electrical System
6
Seats
4
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler
3
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
2
Engine
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan7
Electrical System6
Seats4
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler3
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery2
Engine2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission2

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan: 7; Electrical System: 6; Seats: 4; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler: 3; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 2; Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
10
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
9
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0003
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,99910
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9999
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
3
2003
1
2004
2
2005
1
2006
3
2007
6
2008
3
2009
4
2010
3
2012
2
2015
3
2017
2
2018
1
2020
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20023
20031
20042
20051
20063
20076
20083
20094
20103
20122
20153
20172
20181
20201

2002: 3; 2003: 1; 2004: 2; 2005: 1; 2006: 3; 2007: 6; 2008: 3; 2009: 4; 2010: 3; 2012: 2; 2015: 3; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2020: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10102633 · 2004-12-10 (December 10, 2004)

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED REPEATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. MANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, INCLUDING GENERATOR, BATTERY, THROTTLE CONTROLS, AND AN ABS SENSOR. THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS. *AK THE MOST DANGEROUS IS THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, APPARENTLY FOR NO REASON. WE CANNOT TELL WHETHER THERE IS A BRAKE FAILURE, OR ERRONEOUS WARNING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THIS PROBLEM MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. TODAY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND AT THE SAME TI…

Owner-reported narrative. 31,570 miles reported. Look up ODI 10102633 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10134495 · 2005-08-19 (August 19, 2005)

2002 EUROVAN SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. *MR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE BATTERY PROBLEM RETURNED TWICE. *SC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10134495 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10223706 · 2008-04-08 (April 8, 2008)

THIS CAR IS THE THIRD OF FOUR CARS, IN A TWO-DRIVER FAMILY. IT IS NOT DRIVEN FREQUENTLY. ONE DAY, WE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND NORMALLY TO REVERSE GEAR: IT DID NOT LIKE ANY THROTTLE WHEN IN REVERSE, BUT SEEMED TO DRIVE O.K. WHEN IN DRIVE GEAR. THE NEXT TIME THAT WE DROVE IT, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, BUT THIS TIME, IT DID NOT RESPOND NORMALLY TO FORWARD DRIVE GEAR EITHER. I BACKED IT OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY SLOWLY, AND BEGAN TO DRIVE IT DOWN THE STREET. VERY QUICKLY I REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT RESPONDING AND PARKED THE CAR ON THE ST…

Owner-reported narrative. 60,886 miles reported. Look up ODI 10223706 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10341939 · 2010-07-08 (July 8, 2010)

FIRST NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH OUR 2002 EUROVAN WHEN DRIVING UP A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE FRONT END FELT AS IF IT WAS BUCKING/BOUNCING, SO WE PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS, BUT WHEN WE TRIED DRIVING OFF, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS SO BADLY THAT THE FRONT END RATTLED LOUDLY AND VIOLENTLY. LUCKILY FOR US, WE WERE ONLY A BLOCK AWAY FROM HOME. THE NEXT MORNING, I DROVE THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE SLIPPING HAD CEASED SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT TO OUR VW DEALERSHIP AND AS…

Owner-reported narrative. 126,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10341939 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10286160 · 2009-10-03 (October 3, 2009)

I WAS DRIVING ON I-94 NORTH OF DETROIT WHEN I EXPERIENCED A MAJOR SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND AS I HIT THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE THE SHAKING DECREASED. IT WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE BUT AFTER THE INITIAL SHOCK I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. HAD THE TIRE BLOWN OUT THE OUTCOME MIGHT HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE HAD A MAJOR DISTORTION. IN ONE AREA OF THE TREAD, ONE SIDE OF THE TREAD PROTRUDED BY ABOUT ONE INCH. A TIRE DEALER LATER DIAGNOSED IT AS A 'BROKEN BELT'. THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 69,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10286160 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10201615 · 2007-08-31 (August 31, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. THE CONTACT NOTICED VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FAILURES WOULD OCCUR ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE COOLING FAN FAILED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT OVERHEAT. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 112,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10201615 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10278750 · 2009-07-30 (July 30, 2009)

I TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY 2002 VW EUROVAN BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT A PIECE OF ONE OF THE OF THE TWO RADIATOR FANS WAS MISSING. THE MISSING PIECE DID NOT GO THROUGH THE RADIATOR. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10278750 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10186994 · 2007-04-04 (April 4, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GENERATOR AND BATTERY INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON FEBRUARY 23, 2006, THE ENGINE FAN WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND COST THE CONTACT $977. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $92 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF THE GENERATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ISSUED CASE # 60034264 BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT…

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10186994 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

35 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

71.4%Usable mileage25 / 35 records
97.1%Valid incident date34 / 35 records
100.0%Valid filing date35 / 35 records
97.1%Ordered incident and filing dates34 / 35 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19921993199519971998199920002001200220032004
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3036.6%
ODI 711170

I BELIEVE IT WAS FUEL LINE RELATED AS THE MAJORITY OF THE FIRE DAMAGE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE CLUSTER OF FUEL LINES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE ENGINE, ABOVE THE DISTRIBTOR.

Look up ODI 711170 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

317.6%
ODI 10083835

WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OVER TO INSPECT ENGINE, AND NOTICED FRAGMENTS OF ENGINE COOLING FAN UNDER THE HOOD. DEALERSHIP WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10083835 at NHTSA ↗

1040.0%
ODI 10023632 · 19,440 mi

ON JUNE 13, 2003 BOTH OF OUR RIALTAS ELECTRIC COOLING FANS SELF DESTRUCTED AFTER STARING THE DESCEND DOWN EAGLE RIDGE MOUNTAIN IN TN. AFTER A FEW SCARY MINUTES MY WIFE SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATED THE RV TO SAFETY WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND SISTER ABOARD. BECAUSE OF THE MISSING BLADES THE UNIT CONTINUED TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY FOR FIVE MINUTES UNTIL IT COOLED DOWN. TWENTY MINUTES LATER MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING APPEARED TO BE WORKING IN IDLE UNTIL THE COOLING FAN ATTEMPTED TO START ITS COOLING FUNCTION AGAIN. MY WI…

Look up ODI 10023632 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

720.0%
ODI 10162741 · 64,300 mi

RADIATOR FANS DISINTEGRATED WHILE DRIVING AND MADE A HOLE IN RADIATOR. THIS IS A VW EUROVAN 2002, AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS FOR MODEL YEARS 1998-2000. VW HAS REFUSED TO INCLUDE MINE IN THE RECALL. THE REPAIR COST $2060. *NM

Look up ODI 10162741 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 10000297 · 45,500 mi

MY 1997 VW EUROVAN CAMPER CAUGHT FIRE ON DECEMBER 8, 2002 AS IT WAS BEING DRIVEN ON INTERSTATE 10 NEAR REDLANDS, CA. IT WAS TOTALLY LOST. APPARENTLY THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. VW, AFTER INSPECTION, DENIES RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE AN AFTER MARKET RADIO WAS INSTALLED. THE FIRM WHICH INSTALLED THE RADIO HAS INSPECTED THE CAR AND REPORTS THAT THE FIRE WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS GOOD EVIDENCE OF MUCH MORE HEAT ON THE RIGHT SIDE. WIRE INSULATION JACKETS ARE BURNED OFF THERE AND NOT NEAR THE RADIO. NO WIRES WE…

Look up ODI 10000297 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.9%
ODI 785948

CONSUMER STATED THE 3RD SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE UNLESS IT IS HELD SHUT AND LOCKED AT THE SAME TIME.*YH

Look up ODI 785948 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

617.1%
ODI 10102633 · 31,570 mi

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED REPEATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. MANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, INCLUDING GENERATOR, BATTERY, THROTTLE CONTROLS, AND AN ABS SENSOR. THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS. *AK THE MOST DANGEROUS IS THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, APPARENTLY FOR NO REASON. WE CANNOT TELL WHETHER THERE IS A BRAKE FAILURE, OR ERRONEOUS WARNING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THIS PROBLEM MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. TODAY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND AT THE SAME TI…

Look up ODI 10102633 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 10383060 · 125,000 mi

FAULTY SEAT HEATER IN DRIVERS SEAT CAUSED FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IT IS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. IT WAS WARMING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF OUR HOME BECAUSE OF RECENT ICE STORM. WE MANAGED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND IT WAS CONTAINED TO THE ONE SEAT BUT THE SEAT IS BADLY DAMAGED AND THE INTERIOR OF VAN SMELL OF BURNED WIRING. *TR

Look up ODI 10383060 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

911.0%
ODI 10190702

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200000. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL# 00V039000, REPLACING PART NUMBER 701201363E FUEL LINE, FEED AND PART NUMBER 701201363C FUEL LINE, RETURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 1995 HAS THE SAME PARTS ON IT, BUT ARE NOT EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEMS AS OF YET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD RECALL THE 1995 AND ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE USING THESE PARTS. THE CONTACT WANTS TO GET HIS 1995 REPAIRED BUT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT SELL HIM THE PART.

Look up ODI 10190702 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 520200

FUEL LEAK FROM KINKED FUEL LINE.

Look up ODI 520200 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

33.7%
ODI 489691

LEFT FRONT GOODYEAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, ALSO R/FRONT AND REAR TIRES WERE CUPPED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE WHEN WHEELS TURNED. *SKD

Look up ODI 489691 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

214.3%
ODI 606560

TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW. YH

Look up ODI 606560 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 10093043 · 60,000 mi

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 …

Look up ODI 10093043 at NHTSA ↗

25.7%
ODI 10286160 · 69,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I-94 NORTH OF DETROIT WHEN I EXPERIENCED A MAJOR SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND AS I HIT THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE THE SHAKING DECREASED. IT WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE BUT AFTER THE INITIAL SHOCK I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. HAD THE TIRE BLOWN OUT THE OUTCOME MIGHT HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE HAD A MAJOR DISTORTION. IN ONE AREA OF THE TREAD, ONE SIDE OF THE TREAD PROTRUDED BY ABOUT ONE INCH. A TIRE DEALER LATER DIAGNOSED IT AS A 'BROKEN BELT'. THE …

Look up ODI 10286160 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11647042

205/65R16C 107/105T Achillies Mulitvan Both front tires on vehicle failed along the entire inside sidewall approximately 1” from the rim. They cracked all the way through the rubber about 1/4” wide exposing the sidewall ply's. The tires were purchased in March of 2023 and have roughly 6000 miles on them. The outside sidewall was in perfect condition. The cracks were observed during a routine pre trip inspection. The cracks are so deep that the tires sidewall could blow out catastrophically. The fact that both inside sidewalls were c…

Look up ODI 11647042 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

33.7%
ODI 10033504 · 60,000 mi

FUEL/TEMPERATURE GAUGE ONLY WORKS OCCASIONALLY. I WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $700.00 TO REPLACE AT DEALER SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT I KNOW OF THREE OTHER VW EUROVANS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND I JUST FOUND AN ARTICLE STATING THAT REPLACEMENT DOESN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM, THE EXISTING BOARD HAS TO BE SOLDERED. I THINK VW SHOULD COVER THIS AS IT IS DANGEROUS FOR ALL CONCERNED TO TRAVEL WITHOUT KNOWING THE CAR TEMPERATURE OR HOW MUCH FUEL THERE IS. *NLM

Look up ODI 10033504 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 718113

WE HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. WE WROTE A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MANY OF THE PROBLEMS AND SENT IT TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CONSUMER RELATIONS. THEY WERE NOT THE LEAST BIT INTERESTED IN ANY OF OUR PROBLEMS. WE CALLED THEM SEVERAL TIMES AFTER SENDING THE DETAILED LETTER AND THEY SAID "TOO BAD, NOT OUR PROBLEM." NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Look up ODI 718113 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.9%
ODI 11377065 · 70,000 mi

RECALL FOR SAMSUNG MICROWAVE MODEL M5491G. KEY PAD DOESN'T WORK. RANDOMLY TURNS ON. COULD CATCH FIRE. CALLED SEVERAL TIMES, ON HOLD FOR OVER 8 HOURS, REFUND PROMISED BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT

Look up ODI 11377065 at NHTSA ↗

14.0%
ODI 8020950

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE DAYTIME, THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO READ THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS DUE TO THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE PANEL. MR THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER CAN'T DETERMINE THE SPEED, LOCATE THE GEAR POSITION, GAS, TEMPERATURE, AND SWITCH TO JUDGE MILEAGE. SCC

Look up ODI 8020950 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.9%
ODI 770470

I CAN NOT FIND THE COMPLAINT WHERE I ALREADY DESCRIBED A DANGEROUS EVENT WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO RACE, BUCK, LURCH THE CAR FORWARD AT AN INTERSECTION, BUT PLEASE CROSS REFERENCE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE VIN NUMBER OF THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. I HAVE NOW PROVIDED MORE INFO ABOUT PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FAILURES IN THIS CAR. WE BELIEVE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, A DANGER TO US AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. WE WANT VW TO TAKE THIS CAR OUT OF SERVICE AND PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR INVESTIGATING. THE CAR IS PRESENTLY IN OU…

Look up ODI 770470 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 10820699 · 145,000 mi

THE COVER OF THE COMPONENTS UNDERNEATH THE STEERING WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. IT LANDED RIGHT ON TOP OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL. AT FIRST I DIDN'T REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED, I JUST BECAME AWARE THAT SOMETHING WAS BLOCKING MY FOOT FROM REACHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. FORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, THANKS TO A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WHO WAS ABLE TO LOOK DOWN AT MY FEET TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND PULL THE COVER AWAY. BUT IF IT HAD HAPPENED AT A TIME WHEN I NEEDED IMMEDIATE BRAKE ACCESS, I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO…

Look up ODI 10820699 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.2%
ODI 718056

THE HORNS ON MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES AND ARE AGAIN NOT WORKING. THE GAS AND TEMP GAUGE ARE NOT WORKING AND A LOCAL DEALER SAID THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH EUROVANS. THE AIR CONDITIONING HAS GONE OUT SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FROZE ONE TIME AND MELTED THE SERPETINE INTO ALL OF THE ENGINE PULLEYS--COST TO REPAIR $4,000.00. HEADLIGHTS FILLED WITH WATER. REAR HEATER FAN CLANKS LOUDLY. EXCESSIVE NOISE IN VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 718056 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.9%
ODI 10197239 · 50,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE COOLING FAN OVERHEATED AND SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE FAN WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SAW NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME FAILURE AND BELIEVED IT TO BE A SAFETY DEFECT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 53,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 08/07/07. *JB

Look up ODI 10197239 at NHTSA ↗

14.0%
ODI 10040462

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING COOLING FAN DISINTEGRATED AND BROKE INTO A THOUSAND PIECES, AND A PIECE GOT LODGED IN THE POWER STEERING FAN BELT. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE POWER STEERING. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT COULD NOT GET HELP. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE HIM AT THE TUNE OF $1000.00 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10040462 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 10088781 · 5,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10088781 at NHTSA ↗

25.7%
ODI 10213840

I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 VW EUROVAN OVER A CAUSEWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. A WARNING LIGHT FLASHED SEVERAL TIMES THEN WENT OFF. I BELIEVE IT WAS A COOLANT LIGHT. THEN A STRANGE THUMP, THUMP, THUMP NOISE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED BY SMOKE. SMELLED LIKE BURNING RUBBER AND SOUNDED LIKE A BELT BREAKING. I PULLED OFF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (ANOTHER MINUTE OR 2) AND CAR DIED AS I COASTED OFF THE RAMP. I OPENED THE HOOD, BUT COULDN'T SEE PAST THE BLACK PLASTIC ENGINE COVER AND DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO REMOVE IT. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS, ABOU…

Look up ODI 10213840 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10421889 · 58,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 RIALTA QD. TWO DAYS AGO IN A VERY REMOTE AREA MY RADIATOR FAN EXPLODED AND TORE UP THE SHROUD, RADIATOR, HOSES AND BELT. I UNDERSTAND THESE FANS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM AND ARE ON BACKORDER AROUND THE COUNTRY. I GUESS THIS IS A VW PROBLEM. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON PRIOR YEARS BUT WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON OTHER MODEL YEARS AS IT APPEARS THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM? IF I HAD OPENED THE HOOD IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN BURNED, BLINDED OR WORSE.

Look up ODI 10421889 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1100.0%
ODI 755200

GOOD AFTERNOON FROM GERMANY! LOOKING FORWARD TO GET MY ORDERS (MILITARY) TO NORFOLK, VA, NEXT YEAR. INTENTION IS TO BRING ALONG ONE OR BOTH OF OUR CARS, BOTH VOLKSWAGEN 2.4 LITER DIESEL ENGINES, STANDARD "GERMAN" EDITION. THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THERE ARE MAJOR PROBLEMS TO GET A U.S. LICENSE FOR THOSE CARS, AND IF, WHAT WOULD HAVE TO BE CHANGED BEFORE ENTERING THE U.S. . MAYBE THERE4S A LEAFLET CONTAINING ALL THE INFO I NEED, PLEASE SEND IT TO THE APPROPRIATE ADDRESS GIVEN ABOVE. THANKS, FRANK REININGHAUS, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER GERMAN NAVY. *AK

Look up ODI 755200 at NHTSA ↗

33.7%
ODI 500529

SERPENTINE BELT FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE NOISE.

Look up ODI 500529 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 559523

OIL LEAKING, NOT A PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER TWO YEAR WARRANTY SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, SOME BOLTS WERE TIGHTENED BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, THIS WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS, NOW OIL IS LEAKING AGAIN. CJ

Look up ODI 559523 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 10105760 · 27,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10105760 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 10206177 · 52,000 mi

WE JUST EXPERIENCED A EXPENSIVE ($4500) PROBLEM WITH THE VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN/WINNEBAGO RIALTA. ACTUALLY THE PROBLEM WAS RELATIVELY MINOR BUT BECAME MAJOR BECAUSE OF THE VW ENGINEERING. A SPROCKET THAT PART OF THE CAMSHAFT CHAIN DRIVE ASSEMBLY WAS WORN TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY ROUNDED. THIS CAUSED THE TIMING CHAIN TO JUMP. THE WARRANTY IS 50,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM STARTED AT 52, 000 MILES. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT 55,000 MILES. A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE WEB SHOWS IT TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE SPROCKET APPARENTLY WA…

Look up ODI 10206177 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan18,250–68,800 mi45,000 mi7
ODI 10162741 · 64,300 mi

RADIATOR FANS DISINTEGRATED WHILE DRIVING AND MADE A HOLE IN RADIATOR. THIS IS A VW EUROVAN 2002, AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS FOR MODEL YEARS 1998-2000. VW HAS REFUSED TO INCLUDE MINE IN THE RECALL. THE REPAIR COST $2060. *NM

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ODI 10164280 · 45,000 mi

RADIATOR COOLING FAN DISINTEGRATED AND DESTROYED RADIATOR. *JB

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ODI 10186994 · 15,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GENERATOR AND BATTERY INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON FEBRUARY 23, 2006, THE ENGINE FAN WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND COST THE CONTACT $977. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $92 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF THE GENERATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ISSUED CASE # 60034264 BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT…

Look up ODI 10186994 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range100,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10102633 · 31,570 mi

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED REPEATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. MANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, INCLUDING GENERATOR, BATTERY, THROTTLE CONTROLS, AND AN ABS SENSOR. THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS. *AK THE MOST DANGEROUS IS THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, APPARENTLY FOR NO REASON. WE CANNOT TELL WHETHER THERE IS A BRAKE FAILURE, OR ERRONEOUS WARNING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THIS PROBLEM MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. TODAY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND AT THE SAME TI…

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ODI 10266376 · 100,000 mi

HEATED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SMOLDERING. NO FIRE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT CORRECT. OUT OF WARRANTY. PASSENGER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY. HEATING ELEMENT BURNED THROUGH CLOTH FABRIC. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT DOES PRESENT A FIRE DANGER AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

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ODI 10816208 · 125,000 mi

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC. THE BURN-THROUGH LOCATION IS ON THE VERTICAL SURFACE OF THE SEAT, MID-LINE, AT ABOUT THE LUMBAR HEIGHT. PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH. A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED SEAT WHEN THE BURN-THROUGH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE BURN-THROUGH, BUT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED.

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SeatsToo few reports for a range107,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10266376 · 100,000 mi

HEATED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SMOLDERING. NO FIRE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT CORRECT. OUT OF WARRANTY. PASSENGER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY. HEATING ELEMENT BURNED THROUGH CLOTH FABRIC. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT DOES PRESENT A FIRE DANGER AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Look up ODI 10266376 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10816208 · 125,000 mi

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC. THE BURN-THROUGH LOCATION IS ON THE VERTICAL SURFACE OF THE SEAT, MID-LINE, AT ABOUT THE LUMBAR HEIGHT. PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH. A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED SEAT WHEN THE BURN-THROUGH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE BURN-THROUGH, BUT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED.

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ODI 11072705 · 107,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH. MY SEAT HEATER HAD BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES WHEN MY PASSENGER AND I BEGAN TO SMELL A SWEET, SMOKEY ODOR. THE SMOKE WAS NOT VISIBLE AT THE TIME, BUT OVER THE NEXT 5-10 MINUTES THE SMELL BECAME MORE INTENSE AND THERE WAS SMOKE VISIBLE INSIDE THE CAR. MY PASSENGER NOTICED THICK SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE BACK OF MY SEAT, CAUSING ME TO JUMP FORWARD AND SWERVE THE CAR SLIGHTLY. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. UPON EXAMINING TH…

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Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/CoolerToo few reports for a range102,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10157920 · 102,500 mi

BOUGHT A USED 2002 EUROVAN WITH SEAT WARMER IN JAN 2006. SEAT WARMERS WORKED INITIALLY, BUT ON PASSENGER SIDE IT OVERHEATED AND MELTED THROUGH THE FACTORY SYNTHETIC CLOTH SEAT COVER CAUSING ABOUT A 1 INCH CHARRED BLACK SPOT AS WELL AS OTHER DISCOLORATION NEARBY. WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND NOTICED THE EXTREMELY HOT SPOT AND TURNED IT OFF BEFORE IT DID MORE DAMAGE OR INJURY. I AM MAKING THIS COMPLAINT AFTER FINDING OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SEAT WARMER PROBLEMS ON THEIR VW MODELS, DOCUMENTED ON A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON EDMUNDS.COM FO…

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ODI 10185706 · 82,000 mi

HEATED SEATS CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE UPPER PORTION OF THE PASSENGER SEAT.*AK

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ODI 11006185 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, HER SON'S WINTER COAT, HIS SHIRT, AND HIS BACK WERE BURNED BY THE MALFUNCTIONING SEAT WARMER. THE CONTACT'S SON, WHO WAS AUTISTIC AND NON-VERBAL, WAS UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE TO HER THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. HERZOG-MEIER VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 4275 SW 139TH WAY, BE…

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Electrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryToo few reports for a range15,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10186994 · 15,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GENERATOR AND BATTERY INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON FEBRUARY 23, 2006, THE ENGINE FAN WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND COST THE CONTACT $977. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $92 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF THE GENERATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ISSUED CASE # 60034264 BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT…

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EngineToo few reports for a range100,227 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10690428 · 143,054 mi

230 DAYS IN VW DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP ! I PURCHASED A 2002 VW EUROVAN WEEKENDER CAMPER WITH 142,276 MILES ON 2/25/12 BECAUSE OF ITS EXCELLENT SPACE UTILIZATION AND BECAUSE IT HAD A REPLACEMENT ENGINE STILL UNDER VW WARRANTY. I WAS VERY WRONG ABOUT THE VW WARRANTY. I PAID $21,780.63 FOR WARRANTY AND/OR FAULTY REPAIRS ALL PERFORMED BY VW DEALERS WITH VW PARTS! IT COST ME $1.02 FOR EACH OF THE 21,360 MILES I DROVE MY VW. THE FAULTY REPAIRS INVOLVED 3 REPLACEMENT ENGINES (COOLANT HOSE CLAMPS POPPED OFF), 2 REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS, AND 2 D…

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ODI 11342095 · 57,400 mi

****NOTE - NEED MORE INFORMATION. CONTACTED CONSUMER - 8/6/20**** PROBLEM: RADIATOR FAN BLADES ARE BROKEN AND/OR MISSING. RADIATOR OVERHEATED. TOOK TO VW DEALER TODAY, AND WAS TOLD FAN BLADES WERE BROKEN AND/OR MISSING.

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Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range61,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10278750 · 61,000 mi

I TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY 2002 VW EUROVAN BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT A PIECE OF ONE OF THE OF THE TWO RADIATOR FANS WAS MISSING. THE MISSING PIECE DID NOT GO THROUGH THE RADIATOR. *TR

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Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range93,443 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10223706 · 60,886 mi

THIS CAR IS THE THIRD OF FOUR CARS, IN A TWO-DRIVER FAMILY. IT IS NOT DRIVEN FREQUENTLY. ONE DAY, WE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND NORMALLY TO REVERSE GEAR: IT DID NOT LIKE ANY THROTTLE WHEN IN REVERSE, BUT SEEMED TO DRIVE O.K. WHEN IN DRIVE GEAR. THE NEXT TIME THAT WE DROVE IT, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, BUT THIS TIME, IT DID NOT RESPOND NORMALLY TO FORWARD DRIVE GEAR EITHER. I BACKED IT OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY SLOWLY, AND BEGAN TO DRIVE IT DOWN THE STREET. VERY QUICKLY I REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT RESPONDING AND PARKED THE CAR ON THE ST…

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ODI 10341939 · 126,000 mi

FIRST NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH OUR 2002 EUROVAN WHEN DRIVING UP A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE FRONT END FELT AS IF IT WAS BUCKING/BOUNCING, SO WE PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS, BUT WHEN WE TRIED DRIVING OFF, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS SO BADLY THAT THE FRONT END RATTLED LOUDLY AND VIOLENTLY. LUCKILY FOR US, WE WERE ONLY A BLOCK AWAY FROM HOME. THE NEXT MORNING, I DROVE THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE SLIPPING HAD CEASED SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT TO OUR VW DEALERSHIP AND AS…

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Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 23 reports

2003: 3 complaints · 2004: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2003233
2004000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20031500
2004100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:FanElectrical SystemSeatsSeats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/CoolerElectrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryEngineEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train:Automatic Transmission
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan—000
1
ODI 10186994 · 15,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GENERATOR AND BATTERY INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON FEBRUARY 23, 2006, THE ENGINE FAN WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND COST THE CONTACT $977. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $92 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF THE GENERATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ISSUED CASE # 60034264 BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT…

Look up ODI 10186994 at NHTSA ↗

000
Electrical System0—
3
ODI 10266376 · 100,000 mi

HEATED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SMOLDERING. NO FIRE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT CORRECT. OUT OF WARRANTY. PASSENGER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY. HEATING ELEMENT BURNED THROUGH CLOTH FABRIC. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT DOES PRESENT A FIRE DANGER AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Look up ODI 10266376 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10449424

I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL TODAY AND WE HAD PUT THE HEATED SEATS ON IN MY 2002 VW EUROVAN. AS WE APPROACHED THE SCHOOL MY DAUGHTER YELLED OUCH AND GRABBED HER BACK. WE DISCOVERED A HOLE IN THE SEAT THAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC AND BURNED A HOLE IN HER NORTH FACE JACKET. IT HAD STARTED TO HEAT UP HER SHIRT BUT LUCKILY SHE FELT IT BEFORE IT GOT EVEN HOTTER. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE BURN TO HER BACK. SHE HAD A LARGE RED PATCH ON HER LOWER BACK BUT NOTHING MORE. THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD TO THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER - …

Look up ODI 10449424 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10816208 · 125,000 mi

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC. THE BURN-THROUGH LOCATION IS ON THE VERTICAL SURFACE OF THE SEAT, MID-LINE, AT ABOUT THE LUMBAR HEIGHT. PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH. A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED SEAT WHEN THE BURN-THROUGH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE BURN-THROUGH, BUT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED.

Look up ODI 10816208 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Seats0
3
ODI 10266376 · 100,000 mi

HEATED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SMOLDERING. NO FIRE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT CORRECT. OUT OF WARRANTY. PASSENGER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY. HEATING ELEMENT BURNED THROUGH CLOTH FABRIC. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT DOES PRESENT A FIRE DANGER AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Look up ODI 10266376 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10449424

I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL TODAY AND WE HAD PUT THE HEATED SEATS ON IN MY 2002 VW EUROVAN. AS WE APPROACHED THE SCHOOL MY DAUGHTER YELLED OUCH AND GRABBED HER BACK. WE DISCOVERED A HOLE IN THE SEAT THAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC AND BURNED A HOLE IN HER NORTH FACE JACKET. IT HAD STARTED TO HEAT UP HER SHIRT BUT LUCKILY SHE FELT IT BEFORE IT GOT EVEN HOTTER. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE BURN TO HER BACK. SHE HAD A LARGE RED PATCH ON HER LOWER BACK BUT NOTHING MORE. THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD TO THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER - …

Look up ODI 10449424 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10816208 · 125,000 mi

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT FABRIC. THE BURN-THROUGH LOCATION IS ON THE VERTICAL SURFACE OF THE SEAT, MID-LINE, AT ABOUT THE LUMBAR HEIGHT. PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH. A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED SEAT WHEN THE BURN-THROUGH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE BURN-THROUGH, BUT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED.

Look up ODI 10816208 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler000—0000
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
ODI 10186994 · 15,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GENERATOR AND BATTERY INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON FEBRUARY 23, 2006, THE ENGINE FAN WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND COST THE CONTACT $977. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $92 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF THE GENERATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ISSUED CASE # 60034264 BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT…

Look up ODI 10186994 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Engine00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling000000—0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,785 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10102633 · 31,570 mi

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED REPEATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. MANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, INCLUDING GENERATOR, BATTERY, THROTTLE CONTROLS, AND AN ABS SENSOR. THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS. *AK THE MOST DANGEROUS IS THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, APPARENTLY FOR NO REASON. WE CANNOT TELL WHETHER THERE IS A BRAKE FAILURE, OR ERRONEOUS WARNING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THIS PROBLEM MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. TODAY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND AT THE SAME TI…

Look up ODI 10102633 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10348834 · 70,000 mi

FOR THE SECOND TIME THE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY ON MY VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON (WINNEBAGO RIALTA CONVERSION) HAS FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. THE FAN BLADE SHATTERED BOTH TIMES LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE VAN BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WHATSOEVER. I NOTICE THAT YOU HAVE AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ON THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THAT INVESTIGATION AS A CO-COMPLAINANT. IN BOTH CASES THIS HAPPENED ON ONE OF THE HOTTEST DAYS OF THE YEAR. IN ALABAMA, THIS TIME , THE HEAT INDEX WAS OVER 110 DEGRE…

Look up ODI 10348834 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 770401

THIS VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND OTHER DEFECTS, THOUGH THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST, THE MOST SCARY THING THAT HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR, AND THE THINK THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, POTENTIALLY INJURING OR KILLING OURSELVES OR OTHERS. FORTUNATELY, IT HAPPENED AT A DESERTED INTERSECTION ON A RURAL ROAD. BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT STOP RACING, BUCKING, WITH THE CAR LURCHING FORWARD UNTIL THE KEY WAS TURNED SO THAT ENGINE STOPPED ALTOGETHER. UPON STARTING THE CAR AGAIN, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. WE THEREFORE HAD TO …

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ODI 770470

I CAN NOT FIND THE COMPLAINT WHERE I ALREADY DESCRIBED A DANGEROUS EVENT WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO RACE, BUCK, LURCH THE CAR FORWARD AT AN INTERSECTION, BUT PLEASE CROSS REFERENCE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE VIN NUMBER OF THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. I HAVE NOW PROVIDED MORE INFO ABOUT PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FAILURES IN THIS CAR. WE BELIEVE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, A DANGER TO US AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. WE WANT VW TO TAKE THIS CAR OUT OF SERVICE AND PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR INVESTIGATING. THE CAR IS PRESENTLY IN OU…

Look up ODI 770470 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 31,570 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10102633 · 31,570 mi

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED REPEATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. MANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, INCLUDING GENERATOR, BATTERY, THROTTLE CONTROLS, AND AN ABS SENSOR. THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS. *AK THE MOST DANGEROUS IS THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, APPARENTLY FOR NO REASON. WE CANNOT TELL WHETHER THERE IS A BRAKE FAILURE, OR ERRONEOUS WARNING. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THIS PROBLEM MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. TODAY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND AT THE SAME TI…

Look up ODI 10102633 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10213840

I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 VW EUROVAN OVER A CAUSEWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. A WARNING LIGHT FLASHED SEVERAL TIMES THEN WENT OFF. I BELIEVE IT WAS A COOLANT LIGHT. THEN A STRANGE THUMP, THUMP, THUMP NOISE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED BY SMOKE. SMELLED LIKE BURNING RUBBER AND SOUNDED LIKE A BELT BREAKING. I PULLED OFF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (ANOTHER MINUTE OR 2) AND CAR DIED AS I COASTED OFF THE RAMP. I OPENED THE HOOD, BUT COULDN'T SEE PAST THE BLACK PLASTIC ENGINE COVER AND DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO REMOVE IT. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS, ABOU…

Look up ODI 10213840 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 15,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10186994 · 15,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GENERATOR AND BATTERY INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON FEBRUARY 23, 2006, THE ENGINE FAN WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND COST THE CONTACT $977. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $92 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF THE GENERATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ISSUED CASE # 60034264 BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT…

Look up ODI 10186994 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b