2003 Volkswagen Eurovan Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 20%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan, 20% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10421889, filed 2011-08, 58,000 miles“On 01/09/03 I purchased a 2003 vw Eurovan & on 01/18/09 my engine light came on. On 01/20/03 I was told I had faulty coils. I was told that the two coils that failed were going to be replaced, but with that came a warning that I have a total of 6 coils. When I picked up my partialy fixed van I was told hopefully we can replace all your coils before this happens to you again. When I contacted vw directly they informed me that this was a large problem they were having company wide & at this time they were only replacing the failed faulity coils. …”
NHTSA complaint #10003274, filed 2003-01, 900 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan. While the vehicle was parked or idling, there was a strong odor. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a leak in the manifold, which caused exhaust fumes to enter the vehicle through the air intake. The manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was not available. ..updated 08/22/17”
NHTSA complaint #10939525, filed 2017-01, 92,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10237427May 30, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Apr 24, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10193577May 11, 2021Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10158514Feb 27, 2019Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document
- 10133344Jul 5, 201717 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils…
- 10236436Feb 5, 2016Gasoline quality.
- 10123015Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system…
- 10123013Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (HVAC, Unpleasant Odor): Unpleasant odor is coming from Heating and Ventilation system. Odor mainly occurs after vehicle has been sitting (unused) at least 5…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology