2017 Volkswagen Crafter Van

The 2017 Volkswagen Crafter Van is a versatile and popular choice for businesses and individuals needing a reliable work vehicle. Available with a range of diesel engine options, including the 2.0L TDI in various power outputs (typically ranging from 102 to 177 horsepower) paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, the Crafter offers decent performance and fuel economy. Owners often praise its spacious cargo area, comfortable ride, and practical design. Common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with certain engine and transmission components, as well as potential issues with the electrical system.

Engine

2.0L TDI (Various Power Outputs)

• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve can become clogged or fail, leading to a check engine light, rough idling, reduced power, and increased emissions.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The DPF can become clogged, especially with frequent short trips, leading to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and warning lights.
  • Solution: Forced DPF regeneration (either by driving at sustained high speeds or through a diagnostic tool) or DPF replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 for forced regeneration, $1000 - $2000+ for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Manual Transmission (Specifics Vary Based on Configuration)

• Clutch Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature clutch wear or failure, leading to slipping, difficulty shifting, and eventual inability to engage gears. Often more pronounced in vans used for heavy hauling or frequent stop-and-go driving.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement (including pressure plate and release bearing).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Automatic Transmission (Specifics Vary Based on Configuration)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, erratic shifting, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sag/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, especially when loaded, leading to reduced ride height, poor handling, and potential damage to other components. In extreme cases, leaf springs can crack or break.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Central Locking System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the central locking system, preventing doors from locking/unlocking remotely or with the key.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the wiring harness, door lock actuators, or central locking control module; repair or replacement of faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rapid battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the van, especially after sitting for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic draws (e.g., faulty relays, lights staying on), battery replacement, or alternator repair/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ for diagnosis, $150 - $300+ for battery, $300 - $600+ for alternator.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, due to worn rollers, damaged tracks, or malfunctioning latches.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of rollers, tracks, and/or latches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Description/Symptoms: Random or persistent dashboard warning lights illuminating for no apparent reason.
  • Solution: Diagnose the fault codes to determine the root cause of the warning and fix the failed part.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $75 - $200+ for diagnostics, cost of failed part (varies)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen Crafter Van, while generally a practical and spacious vehicle, can suffer from a range of issues. Engine-related problems, particularly with the EGR valve and DPF on diesel models, are common. Transmission issues, especially with the automatic variants, can be costly to repair. Electrical gremlins and suspension wear are also potential concerns. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more serious and result in significant repair bills. It’s essential for prospective buyers to thoroughly inspect the van, check its maintenance history, and be aware of these potential problem areas.