RoadVitals

2012 Volkswagen Routan Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
63
Latest Jul 8, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Routan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical3936.1%
  • Engine2119.4%
  • Brakes76.5%
  • Powertrain (other)76.5%
  • Airbags65.6%
  • Driver assistance43.7%
  • Interior & seats21.9%
  • Exterior lighting21.9%
  • Body & structure10.9%
  • Suspension10.9%
  • Visibility10.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle is shutting off while driving. It randomly shuts off and I see there are other recalls associated with this issue for a different year but same vehicle/model. I am being quoted well over $2,000 in repairs. This vehicle only has 130,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID 11578885 · filed Mar 22, 2024

At first it starts off the vehicle will just shut off while you are driving which is very dangerous I have read many people complaining about this it needs to be recalled then the brakes go and then the transmission seal I have done all the maintenance up keep on my vehicle there is no reason for the vehicle did you shut off the way it keeps shutting off and dying for no reason the battery keeps dying by the next morning when nothing is left on in the vehicle it has caused me a great deal of grief and it is very scary when you have children in the car and your vehicle just shuts off on the freeway when everything is electric guess what no breaks

NHTSA ID 11560584 · filed Dec 17, 2023
All 39 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NHTSA Recall 14v396 is probably the best correction to this issue. My van has shut off mid-driving while my children are in the car with me. It is so dangerous in the road. I can't move the steering wheel. Mechanics can't seem to diagnose the problem because the van doesn't give any computer codes when it would shut down. There are similar complaints and I wonder how Volkswagen knows of this issue and has failed to inform the owners of these vehicles. Chrysler had a similar issue and did a recall. I hope Volkswagen would acknowledge this issue.

NHTSA ID 11528397 · filed Jun 22, 2023

Car is stalling out while driving with no warning. Doesn't matter the rate of speed I'm going it just cuts out. Can't turn steering wheel. No codes pop up. No mechanics can pinpoint issue. I have seen quite a few thousand people complaining of the same issue and reported it to vw as well as nhtsa and NO ONE will do a recall. Chrysler did a recall for this same issue but NOT vw. This is a safety issue for not only the owner but other drivers on the road. If I get into an accident or cause one I WILL BE suing nhtsa as well as vw for no recall being done. I have printed out over 100 pages of complaints from others for evidence of complaints. I have already entered the class action lawsuit with others having the same issue. RECALL THE ISSUE OR FACE LAWSUITS.

NHTSA ID 11446236 · filed Jan 4, 2022
All 21 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car is stalling out while driving with no warning. Doesn't matter the rate of speed I'm going it just cuts out. Can't turn steering wheel. No codes pop up. No mechanics can pinpoint issue. I have seen quite a few thousand people complaining of the same issue and reported it to vw as well as nhtsa and NO ONE will do a recall. Chrysler did a recall for this same issue but NOT vw. This is a safety issue for not only the owner but other drivers on the road. If I get into an accident or cause one I WILL BE suing nhtsa as well as vw for no recall being done. I have printed out over 100 pages of complaints from others for evidence of complaints. I have already entered the class action lawsuit with others having the same issue. RECALL THE ISSUE OR FACE LAWSUITS.

NHTSA ID 11446236 · filed Jan 4, 2022

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED STALLING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN, AND DIFFICULTY STARTING MULTIPLE TIMES. ENGINE HAS NOW STALLED MORE FREQUENTLY AT BOTH LOW SPEEDS AND WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. EACH TIME, RPM'S HAVE GONE TO ZERO AND IT'S COMPLETELY LOST POWER TO STEERING. I'VE HAD TRY AND COAST/NAVIGATE SAFELY TO SIDE OF ROAD, BERM, ETC., STOP, AND RESTART THE VAN. AT TIMES THE DASH LIGHTS WILL FLASH, OTHER TIMES THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT A FAILURE HAD OCCURRED, JUST NO POWER/RPMS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS, NO CODES DISPLAYED, NOTHING. THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WILL NOT EVEN ADDRESS THE ISSUE AS THEY DEEM IT A "CHRYSLER PROBLEM". WE NOW TAKE IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT & CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, KEY FOBS, BATTERY, AND HAVE DONE ALL PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE. THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS. THERE ARE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS (VW, CHRYSLER, & DODGE) FOR THIS EXACT ENGINE & SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE TIPM, THE MAIN CONTROL MODULE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT RANDOM AND CAUSES A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION AND LOSS OF OPERATOR CONTROL.

NHTSA ID 11360225 · filed Sep 21, 2020
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

referenced to recall nhsta Id no:11v-151 same issue happens on newer models, the car key ignition switch does not secure the key and that causes the car shut-down in tje middle of highway or road intermittently! ıt does not give any dashboard warning and no codes! all the lights are being gone and even ac shuts off! when ı push the key the lights come back on and the car can be turned on again. similiar problems are poster on youtube: https://youtu.be/ZESy-MnVPZs

NHTSA ID 11427268 · filed Jul 31, 2021

HAD TO REPLACE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES. HAD TO REPLACE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING AT 80,500 MILES. BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS WERE MAKING GRINDING NOISES. RACK AND PINION HYDRAULIC LINE CRACKED AT ELBOW AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. RACK AND PINION PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING CLOSE TO HOME. LOST ALL STEERING IN DRIVEWAY. *TR

NHTSA ID 11327207 · filed Jun 4, 2020
All 8 reports naming steering

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

At first it starts off the vehicle will just shut off while you are driving which is very dangerous I have read many people complaining about this it needs to be recalled then the brakes go and then the transmission seal I have done all the maintenance up keep on my vehicle there is no reason for the vehicle did you shut off the way it keeps shutting off and dying for no reason the battery keeps dying by the next morning when nothing is left on in the vehicle it has caused me a great deal of grief and it is very scary when you have children in the car and your vehicle just shuts off on the freeway when everything is electric guess what no breaks

NHTSA ID 11560584 · filed Dec 17, 2023

The ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which then depowers various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. This has happened to me several times including while driving on the interstate and in traffic. I was able to pull over but it is very difficult when power steering and power breaking goes out. I had children in the vehicle several times when this has happened. Per Volkswagon website, I removed all keychains or anything that would cause the key fob to be weighed down. When I contacted them, they said my van is not under recall even though it is the same exact issue previous models had been recalled for. The only symptom prior was the check engine light was on.

NHTSA ID 11439049 · filed Nov 2, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Several times in the last month the car has stopped running without warning. It just shuts off. This has happened in our subdivision travelling at 20mph and most recently on the highway travelling 65mph. The power steering, brakes, everything go dead when the car just turns off and this could cause a serious accident.

NHTSA ID 11487850 · filed Oct 4, 2022

On Thursday January 6, 2022, I took my car Volkswagen Routan 2012 to the service center because the check engine light went on and the engine revving. The service center took a week for diagnostic it, then they informed me on January 13, after charging me $180 that it needs a new transmission because it stuck in limp mode (see attached report). I asked the customer service to contact Volkswagen representative because this problem seems to be a manufacture problem, especially the car run less than 85000 miles and all maintenance service done on time with Volkswagen dealership. This mileages are considered very low to have a transmission problem with well maintained car. They took another three weeks to report me by phone that Volkswagen refused completely to take care or to share responsibility for this problem and they rejected my claim.  Because the claim runs by the dealership “service center” on behalf of me, I asked their customer service representative to email me what is Volkswagen final decision and why?  Three days later, the customer service told me by phone “it’s confidential” and they can not email me.

NHTSA ID 11451803 · filed Feb 14, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driver steering wheel airbag deployed while parking van at work. Nothing was hit just went off causing burns and wrist pain and swelling. Wife stated that the front windshield wipers started turning on randomly while driving to work and then airbag blew while parking.

NHTSA ID 11600204 · filed Jul 8, 2024

The ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which then depowers various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. This has happened to me several times including while driving on the interstate and in traffic. I was able to pull over but it is very difficult when power steering and power breaking goes out. I had children in the vehicle several times when this has happened. Per Volkswagon website, I removed all keychains or anything that would cause the key fob to be weighed down. When I contacted them, they said my van is not under recall even though it is the same exact issue previous models had been recalled for. The only symptom prior was the check engine light was on.

NHTSA ID 11439049 · filed Nov 2, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING AT LOW SPEED VAN RACED FORWARD THEN STOPPED ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. NOW WON'T RUN AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT OF A TARGET WHEN HAPPENED

NHTSA ID 11204319 · filed Apr 29, 2019

TIPM - THE TIPM IN THE ROUTAN HAS BEEN NOTED AS MALFUNCTIONING ON MANY ONLINE FORUMS. MY TIPM MALFUNCTIONED AND MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOP ON A HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID 11154490 · filed Nov 28, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE DRIVER HEADREST EXPLODED FORWARD. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT FROM THE SUDDEN MOVEMENT AND LOUD NOISE STARTLING ME.

NHTSA ID 11299211 · filed Jan 14, 2020

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ROADS MAY HAVE HAD A LITTLE ICE ON THEM. FELT A SHARP SENSATION TO MY OUTER ANKLE AREA (I BELIEVE AT THE TIME I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING TO COME TO A STOP. SHORTLY AFTER FELT THE SAME SENSATION TO MY ANKLE SHARP, BURNING, NOTICED THE SENSATION FELT ELECTRICAL FELT WARM SENSATION NEAR HIP AREA... I BELIEVE THE SENSATION WAS ELECTRICAL CURRENTS THAT PENETRATED TO MY ANKLE. UPON THIS THOUGHT I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF MY SEAT WARMER, NOTICED THE HEEL OF MY BOOT MAY HAVE BEEN SITTING IN A WET AREA ON MY FLOOR MAT FROM THE MELTED SNOW ON MY BOOTS AND MY BOOTS HAD A METAL CLASP ON IT AT THE EXACT LOCATION THE PAINFUL SHARP ELECTRICAL SENSATION FELT ON MY ANKLE. PAIN DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN ONCE THE SEAT WARMER WAS TURNED OFF. NOTICED DULL TINGLING SENSATION IN MY MIDDLE FINGER SHORTLY AFTER THE SECOND EPISODE ALONG WITH WHAT FELT A LITTLE LIKE INDIGESTION.

NHTSA ID 11053442 · filed Dec 8, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM KEEPS BLOWING OUT,WHEN TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGON DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD RECOMMENDATION WAS FOR THEM TO REPLACE FRONT WIRING HARNESS, I WAS TOLD WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE VEHICLE WITH THEM FOR TWO DAYS. VAN IS UNDER WARRANTY,WOULD COST ME A 100.00 DEDUCTABLE. VAN ONLY HAS 65 THOUSAND MILES ON IT. IF IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM HAS ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BEEN FILED. THIS VAN WAS LAST JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN DODGE AND VOLKSWAGON. THEY COULDNT ORDER WIRING HARNESS IT HAD TO BE MADE AS I WAS TOLD THEY DIDNT MAKE PARTS ANYMORE FOR THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 11082240 · filed Mar 30, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE THAN NECESSARY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT FOG LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ENGAGED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR ROTORS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE FOR THE FRONT FOG LIGHTS WAS UNKNOWN. THE FRONT FOG LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10779828 · filed Oct 5, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VAN RANDOMLY GOES TO 3RD ON THE HIGHWAY. GOING TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE CORRECTS THE ISSUE. VAN WILL NOT START/CRANK RANDOMLY. VAN TURNS OFF ON THE HIGHWAY RANDOMLY. RANDOM "ENTER SECURITY CODE" ON THE NAV SYSTEM. 129K MILES ON IT. CHRYSLER RECALLED CARAVAN'S AND THE TOWN AND COUNTRY FOR THESE SAME ISSUES. THE TIPM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FILING A COMPLAINT WITH CORPORATE VW TO HAVE THEM CORRECT THIS MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE AS CHRYSLER HAS DONE. HTTP://WWW.CHRYSLERPROBLEMS.COM/TIPM/

NHTSA ID 11245265 · filed Aug 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HAD TO REPLACE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES. HAD TO REPLACE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING AT 80,500 MILES. BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS WERE MAKING GRINDING NOISES. RACK AND PINION HYDRAULIC LINE CRACKED AT ELBOW AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. RACK AND PINION PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING CLOSE TO HOME. LOST ALL STEERING IN DRIVEWAY. *TR

NHTSA ID 11327207 · filed Jun 4, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DVD PLAYER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS BLOCKING THE VISIBILITY OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY STATED THAT THERE THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.

NHTSA ID 10524214 · filed Jul 10, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .