2017 Volkswagen Crafter
2017 Volkswagen Crafter
The 2017 Volkswagen Crafter is a large commercial van available with a choice of three engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four diesel (102 hp, 320 Nm), a 2.0L twin-turbocharged inline-four diesel (140 hp, 400 Nm), and a 3.0L V6 diesel (177 hp, 450 Nm). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual transmission and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Crafter is praised for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and comfortable driving experience. However, owners have reported various issues with the vehicle.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-Four Diesel
- Timing Belt Failure: Premature timing belt failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
- Symptoms: Loss of power, rattling noises from the engine
- Solution: Replacement of the timing belt and related components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-Four Diesel
- Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger can fail prematurely, resulting in reduced power and fuel efficiency.
- Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L V6 Diesel
- EGR Valve Issues: The EGR valve may become clogged or malfunction, affecting engine performance and emissions.
- Symptoms: Reduced power, increased emissions
- Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Gearbox Failure: The gearbox may fail prematurely, resulting in difficulties shifting gears or loss of power.
- Symptoms: Grinding noises, difficulty shifting gears
- Solution: Replacement of the gearbox.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Mechatronic Unit Failure: The mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission’s operation, may fail.
- Symptoms: Erratic gear shifts, loss of power
- Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Failure: The rear leaf springs can break prematurely, compromising handling and ride comfort.
- Symptoms: Sagging suspension, unstable handling
- Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain: The battery may discharge quickly even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Symptoms: Battery failure, slow cranking
- Solution: Identifying and resolving the cause of the battery drain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Metal Parts: Metal parts, such as the body panels and exhaust system, may develop rust prematurely.
- Symptoms: Discoloration, corrosion
- Solution: Cleaning and treating the affected areas.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Depends on the extent of the rust
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Infotainment System Issues: The infotainment system may experience glitches or malfunctions.
- Symptoms: Screen freezes, unresponsive controls
- Solution: Updating or replacing the software.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
Overall, the 2017 Volkswagen Crafter has been met with mixed reviews. While it offers a spacious interior, powerful engines, and comfortable driving experience, several issues have been reported by owners. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potential engine damage. The cost of repairs can also be significant, especially for major components like the transmission or engine.