Intermediate drive gear which controls cam shaft and valve train failed due to non hardened metal. Total failure of engine was to ensue, according to Volkswagen(maker of vehicle), if driven further. The car was being used to Transport my family to seattle, wa from santa rosa, ca. The failure occurred 500 miles from home and 75 miles from nearest dealer. Was advised by VW that a VW dealer must serve as the diagnostic center. The failure occured in winter and with virtually no warning--the "check engine " light illuminated and the engine made a groaning sound. The van (Eurovan 2001) was transported by truck to corvallis, or for repairs. Vehicle is prresently still there and undergoing gear replacement. I was told by the VW service advisor at corvallis that VW had built an unknown number of engines with this defect but did not know in which vehicles they were placed. The vehicle in question has 27,000+/- original miles on engine and all services recommended by VW were made at VW dealerships. I am the original owner.

- Penngrove,, CA, USA