MotorDeets

Volkswagen Routan problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Routan from 2008 to 2014: 784 owner complaints and 9 recalls across 7 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2009 (294), 2010 (240), 2011 (175). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (2014).

Volkswagen Routan
Photo: DestinationFearFan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical455
Engine195
Brakes83
Steering76
Transmission & drivetrain70
Other / unknown57
Fuel & propulsion55
Body & structure35

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200803–
2009629420
2010224020
2011017520
201216320
20130720
20140220

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Volkswagen Routan.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Volkswagen Routan?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2009 (294), 2010 (240), 2011 (175).

How many recalls has the Volkswagen Routan had?

Across 2008–2014, NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).