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2012 Volkswagen Routan Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2012 Volkswagen Routan Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 115 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.5/ 10

Based on 115 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

39 33.9%

ENGINE

21 18.3%

STEERING

8 7%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 7%

SERVICE BRAKES

7 6.1%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 33.9% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 16 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Volkswagen Routan

The 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 115 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 34% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39), ENGINE (21), STEERING (8).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 91 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Volkswagen Routan?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 Routan complaints2013 Routan complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 16 of 16 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

39 Reports34% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. IT TOOK HIM A WHILE TO REALIZE WHAT WAS HAPPENING, BUT THEN HE TRIED TURNING THE VAN OFF AND BACK ON, AND IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. HE THOUGHT IT A FREAK OCCURRENCE. *TR

5/6/2013

10,000 MILES, FULL WARRANTY, BOUGHT NEW LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY MOTHER AND TWO CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, THE VAN LOST ALL POWER MID-DRIVE. BRAKES, STEERING, EVERYTHING STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THANKFULLY IT WAS LATE AND MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. THIS HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE, BUT NOT AT THAT SPEED, AND WE'D ASSUMED IT AN ANOMALY. WE WERE HEADING OUT OF TOWN, BUT CONCERNED FOR SAFETY WE TURNED AROUND. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY, WHERE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. WE BROUGHT IT BACK A FEW DAYS LATER SO THEY COULD KEEP IT, BUT AFTER DRIVING IT 400 MILES, AND NOT ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING TRY COULD DO. WE CONTACTED VW, WHO GOT A REGIONAL CLAIMS PERSON TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP, SUPPOSEDLY CONSULTED THEIR ENGINEERS, AND DECIDED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. BUT NOT BEFORE THE CS CASE PERSON LIED TO US AND TOLD US THE VAN HAD BEEN FIXED. WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND REALIZED IT HADN'T BEEN, WE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY WOULD AVE TO FIX THE VAN, OR REPLACE WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE. WE ALSO FOUND AT LEAST 12 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON LINE OF OTHER OWNERS IN EARLIER MODELS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD OR MY FAMILY AND ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD WITH US, AND INCONSISTENT WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS PROMOTED THAT ENCOURAGED US TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR

5/6/2013

37 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

21 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TURN THE STARTER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

8/25/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND STALLED. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECALL IF A WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT A ROD WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE AND CREATED A HOLE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

9/5/2017

19 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

8 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. IT TOOK HIM A WHILE TO REALIZE WHAT WAS HAPPENING, BUT THEN HE TRIED TURNING THE VAN OFF AND BACK ON, AND IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. HE THOUGHT IT A FREAK OCCURRENCE. *TR

5/6/2013

10,000 MILES, FULL WARRANTY, BOUGHT NEW LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY MOTHER AND TWO CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, THE VAN LOST ALL POWER MID-DRIVE. BRAKES, STEERING, EVERYTHING STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THANKFULLY IT WAS LATE AND MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. THIS HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE, BUT NOT AT THAT SPEED, AND WE'D ASSUMED IT AN ANOMALY. WE WERE HEADING OUT OF TOWN, BUT CONCERNED FOR SAFETY WE TURNED AROUND. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY, WHERE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. WE BROUGHT IT BACK A FEW DAYS LATER SO THEY COULD KEEP IT, BUT AFTER DRIVING IT 400 MILES, AND NOT ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING TRY COULD DO. WE CONTACTED VW, WHO GOT A REGIONAL CLAIMS PERSON TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP, SUPPOSEDLY CONSULTED THEIR ENGINEERS, AND DECIDED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. BUT NOT BEFORE THE CS CASE PERSON LIED TO US AND TOLD US THE VAN HAD BEEN FIXED. WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND REALIZED IT HADN'T BEEN, WE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY WOULD AVE TO FIX THE VAN, OR REPLACE WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE. WE ALSO FOUND AT LEAST 12 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON LINE OF OTHER OWNERS IN EARLIER MODELS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD OR MY FAMILY AND ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD WITH US, AND INCONSISTENT WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS PROMOTED THAT ENCOURAGED US TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR

5/6/2013

6 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. I AFTER READING AND RESEARCHING I COME TO A CONCLUSION THAT IT IS THE TIPM FUEL RELAY!

10/30/2017

HAVE HAD THE COILS REPLACED AND THE SPARK PLUGS AND OTHER WORK DONE AND THE CAR STILL SHAKES ON IDLING. VERY FRUSTRATING AND THIS IS CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO STAY ON? WHEN IS THE RECALL HAPPENING, THERE ARE TONS OF ISSUES TO OTHER ROUTANS!

11/13/2017

6 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. IT TOOK HIM A WHILE TO REALIZE WHAT WAS HAPPENING, BUT THEN HE TRIED TURNING THE VAN OFF AND BACK ON, AND IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. HE THOUGHT IT A FREAK OCCURRENCE. *TR

5/6/2013

10,000 MILES, FULL WARRANTY, BOUGHT NEW LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY MOTHER AND TWO CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, THE VAN LOST ALL POWER MID-DRIVE. BRAKES, STEERING, EVERYTHING STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THANKFULLY IT WAS LATE AND MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. THIS HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE, BUT NOT AT THAT SPEED, AND WE'D ASSUMED IT AN ANOMALY. WE WERE HEADING OUT OF TOWN, BUT CONCERNED FOR SAFETY WE TURNED AROUND. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY, WHERE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. WE BROUGHT IT BACK A FEW DAYS LATER SO THEY COULD KEEP IT, BUT AFTER DRIVING IT 400 MILES, AND NOT ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING TRY COULD DO. WE CONTACTED VW, WHO GOT A REGIONAL CLAIMS PERSON TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP, SUPPOSEDLY CONSULTED THEIR ENGINEERS, AND DECIDED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. BUT NOT BEFORE THE CS CASE PERSON LIED TO US AND TOLD US THE VAN HAD BEEN FIXED. WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND REALIZED IT HADN'T BEEN, WE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY WOULD AVE TO FIX THE VAN, OR REPLACE WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE. WE ALSO FOUND AT LEAST 12 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON LINE OF OTHER OWNERS IN EARLIER MODELS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD OR MY FAMILY AND ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD WITH US, AND INCONSISTENT WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS PROMOTED THAT ENCOURAGED US TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR

5/6/2013

5 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

7 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE HAVE NOTICED THAT THE NEW CAR HAS BEING PROBLEM SHIFTING GEARS AND HAVE BEEN TAKING IT TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES JUST TO BE TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT SEE ANY PROBLEMS. MAY 2013 WE HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL MENTIONING HARSH 1-3 UP SHIFTS AND ERROR IN THE TORQUE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE, WHICH WILL APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO THE CLUTCH. WE TOOK IT IN AND WERE TOLD THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER YET. AT SOME POINT THEY AGREED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE, HOWEVER THAT MADE THE PROBLEM WORSE. THE CAR IS NOT MOVING AND WHEN WE GIVE MORE GAS IT WILL ACCELERATE LIKE CRAZY NOW AS ADDED BONUS REVERSE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.. MANUFACTURE DOES NOT SEEM TO TAKE US SERIOUSLY OR ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITIES. *TR

4/3/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT JERKED AND REVERSED ROUGH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

10/19/2016

5 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. THEN IT DIED ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS UPWARD OF 70 MPH. EVERYTHING WOULD TURN OFF AND THEN I WOULD PULL OVER AND IT WOULD START RIGHT BACK UP. UPON THOSE THINGS HAPPENING I DECIDED TO TAKE IT IN. AS I WAS HEADING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 75 MPH THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE GAS AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED AND IT DIED. VERY SCARY. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION. $1000 LATER THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. IT WOULDN'T START RIGHT UP AND THEN IT STALLED ON ME WHILE IN REVERSE OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.

3/29/2017

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.

12/8/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

6 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS IN A PRETTY BAD CAR ACCIDENT 4/5/2019 WITH 6 KIDS IN THE CAR AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.. WE WERE I MOTION WHEN CAR INFRONT OF ME TRIED TO AVOID THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. I SAW HIM AND I TRIED TO AVOID HIM SO MY LEFT FRONT HIT HIS REAR RIGHT SIDE. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND NOW I HAVE A HORRIBLE CONCUSSION IN THE HOSPITAL!

4/16/2019

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.

1/14/2020

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. THEN IT DIED ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS UPWARD OF 70 MPH. EVERYTHING WOULD TURN OFF AND THEN I WOULD PULL OVER AND IT WOULD START RIGHT BACK UP. UPON THOSE THINGS HAPPENING I DECIDED TO TAKE IT IN. AS I WAS HEADING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 75 MPH THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE GAS AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED AND IT DIED. VERY SCARY. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION. $1000 LATER THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. IT WOULDN'T START RIGHT UP AND THEN IT STALLED ON ME WHILE IN REVERSE OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.

3/29/2017

AS I AM ACCELERATING FROM 25-35 MPH THE VEHICLE ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT INTO NEXT GEAR. THE VEHICLE SORT OF JIGGLES/JOLTS WHILE TRYING TO GEAR UP. ONCE REACHING 35/40 MPH THEN VEHICLE RUNS NORMAL. IF I PUSH DOWN ON GAS PEDDLE TO MAKE CAR GO THROUGH THAT GEAR, THE ENGINE REVS UP AND THE VEHICLE KIND OF JOLTS A "GET UP AND GO" FEELING AND THE RPMS GO ABOVE 4K, WHICH THEN VEHICLE GETS UP IN SPEED AND MOVES. ONCE AT 35/40 MPH, THEN THE VEHICLE RUNS SMOOTHLY.

8/28/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

10/5/2015

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.

3/30/2018

SEATS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

12/8/2017

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.

1/14/2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

7/10/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN AIR BUBBLE IN THE OIL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL FILLER CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

9/14/2016

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

11/28/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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/

8/20/2019

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

6/4/2020

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 39 owner reports. That is about 34% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING.

Are complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Routan a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 91 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Routan severe?

91 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Routan: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
115
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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