MotorDeets

1997 Volkswagen Eurovan: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan: 1 recall, 14 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
14owner complaints
0mention a crash
14best combined mpg
1997 Volkswagen Eurovan
Photo: DestinationFearFan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #97V016001 · 1997 · 201 vehicles

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

Why it matters: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical3
Fuel system2
Equipment2
Seat belts2
Tires2
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

What owners describe

The 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan has 14 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 11 Eurovan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 20). Complaints peaked in 1999 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 53,250 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (2 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive131714Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (3), fuel system (2), equipment (2).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan get?

EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (2.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Eurovan years

19921993199519971998199920002001200220032004