2021 Volkswagen Volksbus

Introduction

The 2021 Volkswagen Volksbus is a modern take on the classic VW bus. It’s available with a variety of engine and transmission options, providing buyers with a wide range of choices to suit their needs. The Volksbus has received praise for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and versatile cargo space. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, increased exhaust smoke, whistling noise from the engine
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V788
• Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfiring, decreased fuel economy
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V789
• Water pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating engine
  • Solution: Replace the water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating engine, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, rough idling, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace the clutch kit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Synchronizer failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace the faulty synchronizer
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Mechatronic unit failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, shifting problems, transmission warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V790
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping transmission, shuddering, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve body failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shifting problems, transmission warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace the valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

Battery failure * Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, flickering lights, electrical system failure * Solution: Replace the battery * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ * Recalls: None Found

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard creaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking noise coming from the dashboard area
  • Solution: Apply lubricant to the dashboard components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: DIY fix
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat heater failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat heater element
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2021 Volkswagen Volksbus has received mixed reviews from owners. While it is praised for its design, comfort, and versatility, it has also been plagued by a number of issues. The most severe and expensive issues seem to be related to the engine and transmission. While some of the issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be very costly and require major repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues before purchasing a Volksbus.