Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle consumer car reviews and road tests

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle Multivan 2011

I used to love my VW Multivan, it was the best thing for my large family, and I did not hesitate to recommend it to all who enquired. This has changed since an incident that happened on August 18, 2012. That was the day that the left side front passenger air-bag exploded when I drove over an open man-hole on a 3 lane highway. (My vehicle had six children ranging from the ages of 6 to 14 years all properly seat-belted). The result of which was damage to the rear right rim, which cracked. 7 other vehicles also suffered blow-outs when they drove over the open man-hole just after me, but no air-bags were deployed in any of them. At no time did I lose control of the vehicle, and there was no collision or crash. Myself and the other 7 motorists whose cars had tyre blow-outs calmly pulled over to the soft shoulder and changed our tyres. My vehicle went to the dealership, ATL Autohaus in Kingston, Jamaica, on August 21, 2012 and there it has remained. I am told that the report from Germany says the sophisticated safety system has determined that my vehicle CRASHED even despite the claim as follows: "VW UK WEBSITE: And there’s no need to worry about your airbags being set off unnecessarily. The sophisticated system is able to tell the difference between a crash, however severe, and shocks to the car caused by hitting a stone or a deep pothole, for example." ATL Autohaus told me in October that the replacement parts required are unavailable and have been back-ordered. They told me that I would get my vehicle shortly. Then in December they told me it would be delivered on Dec 14, 2012. Then in January they said the incorrect parts came the right parts are on back-order and they will try and let me know soon when they can return my vehicle to me. I only wanted to change the back right rim and tyre! The GM of ATL Autohaus in December offered us a new vehicle as replacement, we only had to pay the price difference between our 1 year old vehicle and their new vehicle. How kind! Except they forgot to mention that their "new" vehicle was an un-sold 2011 model they had. The difference in price? US$19,000. Why? Because my 2011 Multivan had been devalued by 30%, and their 2011 Multivan was at show-room price. So not only is something seriously wrong with this VW T5 Multivan something is seriously wrong with the integrity, honesty, and overall approach of the VW dealer in Jamaica.

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2008

Won’t be buying one again!!!!! I have a 2008 Volkswagon Shuttle and use it as a hackney. In its short life it has been nothing but trouble spending a lot of valuable time in the garage/off the road. The following is a list of the items that have filed so far: a) Door hinge failed b) Trouble with the drive shaft which had to be replaced. c) Door trim clips had to be replaced. d) Exhaust sensor failure resulting in replacement. e) Cable failure. f) Cam shaft failure and front suspension mountings and bearings. Bearing in mind the vehicle is serviced on time every time and is minded as much as possible it still gave the above trouble which I feel is a bit too much as the vehicle is less than three years old. Would not recommend purchasing this model if it is reliability that you want.

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2.5 SE 130HP 2007

Hi there, I bought my first brand new VW 9 seat Transporter Shuttle SE 2007 130HP LWB 2.5 diesel 6 speed gear box, good vehicle but lower gears (1,2,3,) very tough right from new. VW dealer has promise that once I cover 10,000 ml it will be smooth and easy, unfortunately for me at 200,000 ml and 30,000 ml the gear box is still the same VW dealer now is saying that this it specific of 6 speed gear box and apparently they are all the same, has anybody experience such problem? VW mechanics do not like this 6 gear box but because there all the same not a lot can be done (words of dealership) in 4 weeks my warranty is finish what to do anyone? P.S. It is a pig to drive if and when you have to change gears :-( vehicle 4* gear box 0*

Responses to this review

I have owned a 1.9 tdi 5 speed box from new June 05 and have had a couple of problems with the gear box, in fact it is on its 3rd box now and touch wood no probs. This only came to light because, when it was due to finish warranty, my local vw garage gave it a good look over and this fault was found. The first box had a manufacturer’s fault on it, the second one was damaged due to a fly wheel problem and so it was given a 3rd box complete with new drive shafts. Since then no probs, it is fantastic to drive and handles well, it is adapted for wheel chair use, in fact it is due to be changed for a shuttle se in 3 months time. It is not a mobility vehicle we - have purchased both the current one and the new one our selves - Keith Ruddock from England

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 1.9TDi 2006

The worst ever machine made by the VW is the Transporter 1.9tdi. It is a big van with a small engine and s**t gear box. I really cannot understand why they have put that engine in a 2.3 ton van which hardly pulls the van; especially on hills. The engine cries and always screams for help "please get me out from here".

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 174 TDI SE LWB 2008

This is my second Transporter Shuttle and I think they are a top class motor. It feels like a big car to drive and has good mpg for its size. Many years ago I used to be a Ford man but found the Transit more of a bread van (C**P) compared to the VW Transporter.

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2004

I bought a VW Transporter shuttle in January 2004. Six months after purchase the turbo booster broke - this part has been fitted 3 times - plus water pump and oil pump. Personally, this machine has caused me nothing but grief!

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 1.9 TDi 2007

Considerate little luxuries such as air con, large glovebox and cup holders make life on the road easier. This is the third one I have had. They are always reliable.