1997 Volkswagen Eurovan recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE CAMPER EQUIPMENT, AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED POWER TOOL DRILL BIT PUNCTURED THE FUEL TANK VAPOR CONTAINER.
What could happen: FUEL VAPORS CAN ESCAPE WHICH COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS, ON BEHALF OF WINNEBAGO, WILL CHECK THE FUEL VAPOR CONTAINER FOR THE DEFECT AND IF A DEFECT IS PRESENT, THE FUEL VAPOR CONTAINER, WILL BE REPLACED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 EUROVAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V016001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE CAMPER EQUIPMENT, AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED POWER TOOL DRILL BIT PUNCTURED THE FUEL TANK VAPOR CONTAINER.
Consequence: FUEL VAPORS CAN ESCAPE WHICH COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS, ON BEHALF OF WINNEBAGO, WILL CHECK THE FUEL VAPOR CONTAINER FOR THE DEFECT AND IF A DEFECT IS PRESENT, THE FUEL VAPOR CONTAINER, WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 1997. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (3), Electrical system (3), Seat belts (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Brakes (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/27/2007 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE CONNECTING ENDS OF THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
04/06/2005 · Seat belts
THE PLASTIC PIECE ON THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT THAT LATCHES AND UNLATCHES THE BELT BUCKLE BROKE AND THE SPRING POPPED OUT. THE SEAT BELT CANNOT BE USED. *AK *SC
12/19/2002 · Electrical system · fire
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 R…
12/26/2001 · Transmission / drivetrain
PROBLEM IS AN INTERMITTENT, UNNESCESSARY, SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT OF TRANSMISSION WHEN ASCENDING A STEEP, LONG GRADE. AFTER DOWNSHIFTING, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT EVEN WHEN RPM'S APPROACH 5000, FORCING ME TO SLOW DOWN. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC.
05/18/2001 · Brakes
PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE ROTORS.*AK CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT FRONT AND REAR BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPALCED CONSUMER WAS COMPLAING OF BRAKES BEING NOISY WHEN BRAKING. *JB
02/07/2001 · Equipment
REFRIFERATOR STOPPED WORKING. CJ
02/07/2001 · Electrical system
CIRCUIT BOARD THAT INDICATES FRESH WATER, WASTE WATER AND PROPANE LEVELS NOT WORKING, CIRCUIT BOARD REPLACED. CJ
02/07/2001 · Brakes
BRAKES SQUEAK, OWNER WAS TOLD THAT VEHICLE WAS OPERATING TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS, BRAKES STILL SQUEAK. CJ