2012 Volkswagen Routan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Volkswagen Routan: 1 recall, 63 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #12V147000 · 2012 · 15 vehicles
What's wrong: Some vehicles May be equipped with right rear hub and bearing assemblies that were not fully machined.
Why it matters: This could result in a decrease in durability, which May lead to wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 20, 2012.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (39): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (22), electrical failure (11).
- Engine (21): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (10), warning light on (6).
- Steering (8): the most common themes are steering problems (5), warning light on (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), electrical failure (3), warning light on (2).
The 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 63 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 7 Routan model years for complaints (well below the 112 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 76,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (175 complaints, 0 recalls), 2013 (7 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Gasoline or E85 |
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 2012 Volkswagen Routan.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Volkswagen Routan problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (39), engine (21), steering (8).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Volkswagen Routan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.