2011 Volkswagen Routan Problems

Notable Issues

The 2011 Volkswagen Routan has 175 NHTSA complaints, mostly electrical, with no recalls, but low confidence limits conclusions. Based on 175 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.

20105 years2012

Before you buy

This 2011 Volkswagen Routan has 175 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Electrical Faults.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview

Free preview Β· Full report from $12.95.

175
Complaints
4
Crashes
2
Fires
21
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
β€”
Recalls

2011 Volkswagen Routan Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan.

17
MPG City
25
MPG Hwy
20
MPG Combined
444
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $4,500 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2011 Volkswagen Routan Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

16.4% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

16.4% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN 2011 has 175 NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults (111) and engine problems (50) as top issues. No recalls were issued. Buyers should inspect electrical and engine systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2011 Volkswagen Routan β€” key reliability facts
Make
Volkswagen
Model
Routan
Model year
2011
NHTSA owner complaints
175
Crash-related complaints
4
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Electrical Faults
Reliability signal
Notable Issues
EPA MPG combined
20
EPA MPG city / highway
17 / 25
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2011 Volkswagen Routan problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
111
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:2
Fires:1
Injuries:4
#2
50
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
Injuries:4
#3
39
complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System

Crash-related:1
Injuries:4

Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2011 Volkswagen Routan?

The 2011 Routan is a high-risk choice due to frequent electrical and engine complaints. Without recalls, buyers must rely on service history and pre-purchase inspection.

Electrical faults (111 complaints) and engine problems (50) are the top issues, potentially leading to costly repairs and safety concerns.

May Suit

This year may suit a buyer willing to accept higher maintenance risk for a lower upfront price.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers seeking reliable family transportation should avoid this year due to high complaint volume.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2011 Volkswagen Routan

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect electrical system for faults.
  • Check engine for reported problems.
  • Examine fuel/propulsion system for issues.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect electrical system for faults before purchase.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and fuel system.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2011 Volkswagen Routan, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Volkswagen Routan shows 175 complaints, with electrical faults (111) and engine problems (50) dominating. No recalls were issued, but crash-related complaints are low (4). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: No other model years were provided for comparison, so this year's complaint pattern stands alone.

Recall context: With zero recalls, buyers must verify all safety issues are addressed through service records.

Key Findings
  • Electrical faults account for 111 of 175 total complaints.
  • Engine problems total 50 complaints.
  • Fuel/propulsion system has 39 complaints.
Top Concerns
  • Electrical Faults: 111 complaints indicate widespread issues.
  • Engine Problems: 50 complaints suggest potential reliability concerns.
  • Fuel/Propulsion System: 39 complaints may affect drivability.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Low confidence level due to limited data scope (single year, no recalls).

Full breakdown

All 2011 Volkswagen Routan complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults11121β€”
Engine Problems5011β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System391β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain19β€”1β€”
Uncategorized Issues17β€”β€”β€”
Brake System15β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)12β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects111β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration81β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions62β€”β€”
Structural Problems51β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues2β€”1β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 175 most recent complaints

Steering DefectsFeb 17, 2025

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…

Steering DefectsJan 10, 2025

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…

Engine ProblemsMay 7, 2024

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 …

Electrical FaultsSep 8, 2022

Car has issues starting as if fuel pump isnt coming on... also vehicle shut down in middle of driving down highway would not restart

Electrical FaultsJul 18, 2022

The vehicle is shutting off while driving.

Steering DefectsMar 20, 2022

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 ma…

Electrical FaultsDec 5, 2021

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.

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 2, 2021

ThΓ© 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

Engine ProblemsJul 29, 2021

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…

Uncategorized IssuesJul 1, 2021

My 2011 VW Routan completely lost power on the freeway while driving in heavy traffic. The steering completely locked up (not lost power steering), locked up and all components died while moving. It took two people to break the steering wheel loose so that the van could be pushed…

Electrical FaultsMay 20, 2021

When driving for about 25 and then getting to a stop light. As I slow down and start to come to a stop the car shakes very roughly and turns right off. The first time this happened was 3 days after getting car from Carmax. It had not happened again until this week.

Uncategorized IssuesNov 30, 2020

INTERMITTENT STARTING - FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS VEHICLE IS BASICALLY A CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. CHYRSLER ISSUED A RECALL ON THE FAULTY TMPI FUEL PUMP RELAY BUT VW REFUSES. IS THIS ALLOWED??? IT IS THE SAME VEHICLE. IT IS NOT FAIR THAT I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX A PART THAT IS KN…

Electrical FaultsNov 29, 2020

THE VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND WOULD NOT START AFTER REPEATED TRIES. IT WOULD START AS NORMAL AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF. HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO ADVISED THE TIPM IS FAULTY. FAULTY TIPMS IN THESE VEHICLE WITH 55K-70K MILEAGE SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.…

Engine ProblemsNov 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CRANKED UP HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUSE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TOTA…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 21, 2020

I OWN A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN MINIVAN AND THE IGNITION SWITCH STOPS WORKING I KNOW THERE ARE A FEW RECALLS FOR THIS ON THE 2009 AND 2010 YEARS I CALL VW CORPORATION AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T HELP ME JUST BECAUSE THERE'S NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THE PART THEY USED IN THE PREVIOUS …

Electrical FaultsNov 10, 2020

FAULTY TIPM MODULE. ENGINE WILL CRANK JUST FINE, BUT HAS BIG TROUBLE STARTING. ONCE IT RUNS ALL IS GOOD. IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THE PART. OTHER OEMS RECALLED THE ITEM (CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY / DODGE GRAND CARAVAN)

Uncategorized IssuesNov 2, 2020

THE VEHICLE LOOSES ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING. IF YOU HIT A BUMP OR TOUCH THE KEY IT CAUSES THE KEY CONNECTION TO STOP AND LOSS OF ALL POWER. HAVE TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING AND RESTART IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND DRIVING ON RURAL ROADS. ALL AR…

Electrical FaultsOct 17, 2020

THIS VEHICLE IS BASICALLY A CHRYSLER/DODGE WITH VW BRANDING, AND ONE OF THE KEYS IS EVEN A DODGE KEY. IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE TIPM AND FUEL RELAY MODULE THAT WAS RECALLED ON THE 2011 CHRYSLER AND DODGE VANS. SEE FUEL PUMP RELAY RECALL NHTSA 14V-530. I'M ASKING THAT IT ALSO…

Engine ProblemsOct 8, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FA…

Electrical FaultsAug 10, 2020

WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 VW ROUTAN AT 45 MPH SPEED SUDDENLY THE SPEED DROPPED DOWN TO 20 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL MY VEHICLE OVER TO A LOCAL ROAD. AFTER SHOWING THE VEHICLE TO DEALER THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS TIMP ISSUE AND REPAIR WOU…

Page 1 of 9

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan.

Safety recalls

2011 Volkswagen Routan recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. With zero recalls, buyers must verify all safety issues are addressed through service records. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns on record

No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time β€” confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Across model years

Compare Volkswagen Routan model years

No other model years were provided for comparison, so this year's complaint pattern stands alone.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2011 Volkswagen Routan buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2011 Volkswagen Routan reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 175 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Routan is a high-risk choice due to frequent electrical and engine complaints. Without recalls, buyers must rely on service history and pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Routan?β–Ύ

#1: Electrical Faults (111 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (50 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (39 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Volkswagen Routan?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2011 Volkswagen Routan?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Volkswagen Routan, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 175 total complaints. 21 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2011 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2011 Volkswagen Routan?β–Ύ

The 2011 Routan is a high-risk choice due to frequent electrical and engine complaints. Without recalls, buyers must rely on service history and pre-purchase inspection. Electrical faults (111 complaints) and engine problems (50) are the top issues, potentially leading to costly repairs and safety concerns. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Routan reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2011 Volkswagen Routan based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.