2012 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
62% of complaints: electrical system — 39 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20231217
TAKATA RECALL. HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING VAN ON FIRST TRY. VAN WILL STALL A FEW TIMES BEFORE STARTING. SOMETIMES THE BATTERY IS DRAIN. BATTERY HAS BEEN TESTED=GOOD! THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR 3 MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171030
MY HUSBAND WAS AT A LIGHT AND PRESSED THE GAS TO GO, WHEN HE NOTICED THAT HE ENTIRE VEHICLE HAD TURNED OFF. STEERING, BRAKES, AND ALL ELECTRICAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130506
33% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MY HUSBAND WAS AT A LIGHT AND PRESSED THE GAS TO GO, WHEN HE NOTICED THAT HE ENTIRE VEHICLE HAD TURNED OFF. STEERING, BRAKES, AND ALL ELECTRICAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130506
13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20231217
MY HUSBAND WAS AT A LIGHT AND PRESSED THE GAS TO GO, WHEN HE NOTICED THAT HE ENTIRE VEHICLE HAD TURNED OFF. STEERING, BRAKES, AND ALL ELECTRICAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130506
SAFETY TIMELINE
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ROUTAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLI
Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822
Campaign 12V147000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Volkswagen Routan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V147000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Routan?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.