2012 Volkswagen Crafter Van

The 2012 Volkswagen Crafter van is a popular choice for tradespeople and businesses needing a reliable and spacious commercial vehicle. While known for its practicality and robust build, it’s not without its potential issues. The 2012 Crafter typically came with a range of diesel engine options, including various outputs of the 2.0L TDI and the 2.5L TDI. For example, the 2.0L TDI could be found with around 109 hp or 136 hp and varying levels of torque. The 2.5L TDI usually came with around 163 hp. Transmission options were primarily a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission, depending on the engine and market. Owners often appreciate the Crafter’s large cargo capacity, comfortable driving position, and overall durability. Some common dislikes include potentially higher running costs due to fuel consumption and potential maintenance needs, which will be listed below.

Engine

2.0L TDI

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or crankshaft seals. Symptoms include visible oil puddles under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels on the dipstick.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the leak and replace the faulty gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail due to oil starvation, wear and tear, or foreign object damage. Symptoms include a loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and a whining or screeching noise from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L TDI

• EGR Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve can become clogged with carbon deposits, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel injectors can fail due to wear, contamination, or electrical issues. Symptoms include misfires, rough running, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting gears, a high clutch pedal engagement point, and unusual noises when engaging or disengaging the clutch.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and potentially the flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into specific gears, particularly when cold. This is often due to worn synchronizer rings within the transmission.
  • Solution: Rebuild the transmission with new synchronizers, or replace the entire transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when driving over bumps. Poor handling and uneven tire wear can also occur.
  • Solution: Replace the worn suspension bushings (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar bushings).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the number of bushings replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Leaf Springs (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, reduced load carrying capacity, and a harsh ride. Visible cracks or breaks in the leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replace the broken leaf spring(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per spring
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Central Locking System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The central locking system may intermittently fail to lock or unlock the doors, or one or more doors may not respond to the remote or interior switch.
  • Solution: Diagnose the issue. It could be a faulty door lock actuator, wiring issue, or a problem with the central control module. Replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Issues (Diesel Engines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting in cold weather, rough idling, and excessive smoke from the exhaust upon startup.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty glow plug(s) and potentially the glow plug relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking, binding, or unusual noises.
  • Solution: Lubricate the sliding door tracks and rollers. If the problem persists, inspect the rollers, cables, and latch mechanism for damage or wear. Replace any faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, often due to sun exposure and temperature changes.
  • Solution: This is typically a cosmetic issue. Repair or replacement of the dashboard is possible, but can be costly. Dashboard covers can be used as a temporary solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (dashboard cover) - $1000+ (dashboard replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

The 2012 Volkswagen Crafter van, while generally reliable, can experience certain issues. Engine problems like oil leaks and turbocharger failures in the 2.0L TDI, and EGR valve/injector issues in the 2.5L TDI can be costly. Transmission problems such as clutch failure and synchro wear can also add to the cost of ownership. Owners should also be aware of suspension bushing wear, electrical glitches, and potential sliding door problems. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more significant and require substantial investment.