2011 Volkswagen Routan problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Volkswagen Routan, most often about electrical system. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
95,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 15 of 27 complaints (56%).
  • Engine (11) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 95,000 mi.
  • It ranks 3rd of 6 Volkswagen Routan model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 36% fewer complaints than the 2010 model year (42).

2011 Volkswagen Routan problems by category

  • Electrical System
    15 complaints
  • Engine
    11 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    6 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Steering
    3 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system15
Engine11
Unknown or other6
Fuel/propulsion system4
Steering3
Power train2
Service brakes2
Vehicle speed control1

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k560k–100k4100k–150k3150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Volkswagen Routan complaints that list mileage.

2011 Volkswagen Routan recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2011 Volkswagen Routan complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Feb 17, 2025TXBrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    The brakes randomly stop working. At random times you go to brake and have to push the pedal all the way to the floor to start stopping. 2nd issue. The car dies and looses all power at intermittent times while driving. The car has to be restarted while driving. Could be driving 70 on a hwy or 30 on a residential street. Either coast to the side of the road to restart... or quickly put the car in neutral and restart it while driving. Both of these have almost caused wrecks…
    NHTSA complaint #11643273 · source
  2. Filed Jan 10, 2025NVElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    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 rests below 1.5 - 2, car struggles to accelerate(especially uphill), car turns over and struggles to start, even though has newer battery. 1/9/25 driving to an appointment, upon reaching destination, a pop sound. No smell, no…
    NHTSA complaint #11635180 · source
  3. Filed May 7, 2024190,000 miOHTowedEngine
    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. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11587480 · source
  4. Filed Sep 8, 2022NCElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Car has issues starting as if fuel pump isnt coming on... also vehicle shut down in middle of driving down highway would not restart
    NHTSA complaint #11483423 · source
  5. Filed Mar 20, 2022VABrakesEngineSteering
    While driving on a highway at 65 Mph, vehicle shut down, lost brakes, steering, and all power, had to coast to a stop, narrowly avoiding a collision. Upon exhaustive review, TIPM was faulty, causing starting issues, intermittent power loss, and fuel pump issues. As this van is manufactured by Chrysler (for VW) and their (identical) model has the same issue, it was known and recalled, it is appalling that no recall exists for this VW model. These vans are being financed and…
    NHTSA complaint #11457492 · source
  6. Filed Dec 5, 2021NVElectrical System
    This is 2011 VW ROUTAN. When the mileage reached exactly 100k both sliding doors shuts. When I put it on manual control button overhead it’s not working in both doors. It’s parked when this happens.
    NHTSA complaint #11442717 · source
  7. Filed Dec 2, 2021NYAirbagsEngine
    Thé engine malfunction was observed and confirmed by the Mecanicien and the cause was from the manufacture. I'm willing to submit the car for any inspection. The car is still drivable, but I have to report it. I have been trying to call since longtime in vain. Thank
    NHTSA complaint #11442427 · source
  8. Filed Jul 29, 2021TXEngine
    The van totally looses all power while driving. It happens multiple times per week. While driving the van dies, it takes about 3-5 seconds then the power comes back, we can then drive again. When it happens, sometimes the power doesn't come back on its own, we then have to put it in neutral and restart it, then can drive as normal.
    NHTSA complaint #11426965 · source

Compare the 2011 Volkswagen Routan with another vehicle →

Other 2011 Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology