Volkswagen Routan problems and complaints, 2010 to 2012

478 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls across 3 model years, 2010 to 2012. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.

478complaints
3recalls
10reported crashes
5reported fires
35reported injuries

Which Volkswagen Routan years should you avoid?

We cover 3 model years of the Volkswagen Routan, too few to say which stand out.

NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.

Every model year

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Injuries	Our read	Most reported
2012	63	1	1	2	Few red flags	Electrical system
2011	175	0	4	21	Few red flags	Electrical system
2010	240	2	5	12	Few red flags	Electrical system

Most reported problem areas

Share of the 349 complaints sorted by system, all years together.

Electrical & infotainment200 (57%)
Engine & powertrain90 (26%)
Brakes20 (6%)
Structure & body15 (4%)
Steering, suspension & tires14 (4%)

Recalls (3)

Electrical system · 15V194000 · Apr 2015 · model year 2010
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Suspension · 12V147000 · Apr 2012 · model year 2012
THIS COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN DURABILITY, WHICH MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Electrical system · 11V151000 · Mar 2011 · model year 2010
AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.