2011 Volkswagen Routan
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 293 |
| 2010 | 240 |
| 2011 | 175 |
| 2012 | 63 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
63% of complaints: electrical system — 111 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY CHILDREN AND I WERE STATIONARY AT A LIGHT WHEN THE VAN STARTED SPUTTERING. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I ACCELERATED. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE VAN CUT OFF. I HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171102
Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE A FEW CONCERNS ABOUT AN ACCIDENT MY WIFE WAS IN ON 12/06/2012. SHE WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER DRIVER. SHE HAD THREE CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130108
Also filed under STEERING and STRUCTURE
loss of steering while driving, fluid loss multiple times since late september 2024(all while driving and no lights or warnings came on), 2 snapped serpentine belts, key ignition sticking(would not turn), dashboard not lighting up, rpm no longer...
NHTSA ODI report, 20250110
Also filed under STEERING
27% of complaints: engine — 48 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240507
22% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 39 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing torque converter and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Volkswagen Routan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (39 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Routan reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Routan?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen Routan have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.