Table 1 shows one common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkage problems |
The side door latch won't latch when the temperature drops below freezing. So the door, which is on sliders, will just swing open while driving unless you have it bungee-corded. It will only latch when the temperature rises or after you park it in a heated garage. This is a persistent problem with Volkswagen Eurovan owners - at least that seems apparent after reading blogs on the internet. No one at the Volkswagen dealerships I talk to seem to know how to fix the problem though they seem familiar with it. It is really dangerous and lame that Volkswagen has not addressed this issue. We have experienced this problem only in the past two winters - before that, we only drove the car in the summer. Now it is so bad it's pretty much never closed now that is winter. And no on we have brought the car to can fix it.
Passenger side sliding door does not latch fully, and may not lock/unlock, or latch, at all, at temperatures below 30 degrees fahrenheit. Exterior handle sticks and does not operate at temperatures below 30 degrees fahrenheit. This problem may occur to a lesser degree at temperatures as high as 40 degrees. This presents a hazard of theft/vandalism for parked cars, and may endanger child passengers, or other vehicles due to objects falling from an opened (unlatched) door. . Read more...