2001 Volkswagen Eurovan recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
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 2001 EUROVAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V136000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-822-8987.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (8), Wheels / tires (3), Electrical system (3), Brakes (3), Hydraulic (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/29/2014 · 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 IRREPA…
01/05/2013 · Seats · fire
DRIVER SEAT HEATER CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED HOLE IN SEAT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *TR
11/16/2011 · Engine
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 EURO…
07/05/2009 · Engine
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 G…
02/12/2007 · Wheels / tires
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
02/15/2006 · Engine
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…
06/22/2005 · Electrical system
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
01/05/2005 · Electrical system
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 REPAI…