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Volkswagen Crafter L4H3 3500 2.0 TDI 102hp Economy Business common faults.

2017–2023, van, diesel, 102 HP.

The list covers this version.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

3 fault write-ups. All are important. 2 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

3 important faults

critical1

The automatic gearbox jerks at high mileage

critical

The automatic gearbox starts jerking and shifting late above 150,000 km, and sometimes cannot find a gear at all. In a van the load on the gearbox is significantly higher than in a car, and most Crafters are run without an oil change, even though it is not a lifetime fill here. The cost of the repair is among the highest on this list.

What to check

  • On the test drive accelerate under load, and watch for jerking and delay
  • Try it cold and warm: the fault often only appears when warm
  • Ask about the gearbox oil change, and ask for the invoice
1 more steps in the write-up

expensive2

Air conditioning failure: compressor and pipes

expensive

The air conditioning stops because of a faulty compressor or a leaking pipe. In a commercial vehicle this is not a comfort question: the driver spends eight to ten hours a day in the cab, and recharging the system is no solution on its own if the leak is not found. The cost of the compressor is orders of magnitude higher than a pipe: the test drive shows which one it is.

What to check

  • Set the air conditioning to maximum and measure the outlet temperature
  • Watch whether the compressor cycles on and off (an audible click)
  • Look at the condenser in front of the radiator: damage, oil traces, corrosion
1 more steps in the write-up

Differential leak

expensive

The seal of the differential on the rear wheel drive Crafter lets go: oil traces around and under the housing, and in the longer term noise from the drivetrain. On a loaded, high mileage van the seal leaks, and it is visible from below.

What to check

  • Lift the car or look underneath: look for oil traces around the differential
  • Check whether there is a fresh oil stain on the parking spot
  • On the test drive listen for a droning, growling noise that changes with speed
1 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Volkswagen Crafter L4H3 3500 2.0 TDI 102hp Economy Business

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall2 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

A12/00945/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a production error in the assembly line, the 230V cable in the area of the head airbag may have been incorrectly installed. As a result, the head air bag would not provide sufficient protection as the 230V cable might hinder its full inflation, leading to increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00973/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a manufacturing error, involving an insufficient amount of glue, the motor hood can completely detach, which poses a risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

No engine and transmission for this yet. When they are in, you see them here.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
L4H3 3500 2.0 TDI 102hp Economy Business
Body
van
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1968 cc
Power
75 kW (102 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2017–2023

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Engine oil and oil filter

    • LongLife30,000 km or 2 years(valid only with LongLife-approved oil)
    • 15,000 km or 1 year

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Coolant (antifreeze) change

    • first: 193,000 km or 10 years, then 97,000 km or 5 years(G13 / G12++: first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years)
All II versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms