1997 Volkswagen Eurovan Problems & Complaints

Average19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Eurovan at the same age

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Eurovan at the same age. The most reported problem area is the fuel & propulsion system (3 complaints, typically around 61,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

14complaints
1recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan problems

  • Fuel & propulsion system~61,000 miles
    321%
  • Electrical system~46,000 miles
    321%
  • Equipment & accessories
    214%
  • Seat belts
    214%
  • Wheels & tires
    214%
  • Brakes
    214%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    214%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    17%
  • Suspension
    17%
  • Other / not specified
    17%
  • Body & structure
    17%
  • Engine & cooling
    17%

Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volkswagen Eurovan complaints by model year

19951997199920002001200220036141725213515
Owner complaints per model year, Volkswagen Eurovan. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Eurovan years: 1995, 2003, 1997. Years to avoid: 2002, 2000. Compare all years →

1997 Volkswagen Eurovan recalls (1)

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 97V016001 · Feb 11, 1997 · 201 vehicles

During the installation of the camper equipment, an improperly adjusted power tool drill bit punctured the fuel tank vapor container.

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.

What 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan owners say

Fuel & propulsion system

Tl 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.

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · 61,000 miles · May 2007

Strong fuel odor, fuel tank leaking, gas cap replaced 7/00, a slack tube test done 10/12/00, significant leak found, 10/23/00, leak found on the fuel filler neck valve assembly, fuel tank, charcoal canister and various connections related to fuel tank replaced. Cj

Storage › Tank assembly · Aug 1999

Electrical system

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 were cut during the radio installation, but rather the radio plug was connected to the vw plug. The vehicle has about 45,000 miles on it. On nov. 6, 1998, the dealer replaced the regulator motor and the window motor in the passenger door. On June 19, 2000, the dealer replaced the passenger side window motor. …

46,000 miles · Dec 2002 · fire

Circuit board that indicates fresh water, waste water and propane levels not working, circuit board replaced. Cj

Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Feb 2001

1997 Volkswagen Eurovan engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.8L 6-cyl4-speed automaticFWD13 / 17 / 14

EPA ratings. Class: Van.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan a good car?

Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Eurovan rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Eurovan at the same age. It is one of the best Eurovan years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan?

The fuel & propulsion system — 3 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Next are the electrical system (3) and equipment & accessories (2).

How many recalls does the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan have?

There is 1 recall for the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan, the most recent from February 11, 1997 (tank assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Eurovan?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 2003 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002 and 2000. See the full Volkswagen Eurovan years comparison.

At what mileage do 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 61,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.