Before you buy
This 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 63 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.
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2012 Volkswagen Routan Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2012 Volkswagen Routan Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN 2012 has 63 NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults (39) and engine problems (21) most common. One recall exists. Buyers should inspect electrical and engine systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Volkswagen
- Model
- Routan
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 63
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- 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 2012 Volkswagen Routan problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Fuel/Propulsion System
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 2012 Volkswagen Routan?
The 2012 Routan may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and engine repairs. The low complaint count and single recall suggest limited data, so proceed with caution.
Electrical faults and engine problems are the top complaints, which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize low purchase price and are willing to accept higher maintenance risk.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking high reliability and minimal repair costs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Volkswagen Routan
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and control modules.
- Check engine for reported problems such as stalling or misfires.
- Verify all open recalls have been completed.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Test drive to check for engine stalling or electrical malfunctions.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 63 complaints, with electrical faults (39) and engine problems (21) being the most reported. One recall exists. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only the 2012 model year was analyzed, so no direct comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: One recall indicates a known issue that should be verified as repaired before purchase.
- Electrical faults account for 39 of 63 total complaints.
- Engine problems account for 21 complaints.
- Only 1 crash-related complaint was reported.
- Electrical faults (39 complaints) are the most frequent issue.
- Engine problems (21 complaints) are the second most common.
- Fuel/propulsion system (8 complaints) and steering defects (8 complaints) are also notable.
Full breakdown
All 2012 Volkswagen Routan complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 39 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 21 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | 1 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | β | 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 2012 Volkswagen Routan. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Driver steering wheel airbag deployed while parking van at work. Nothing was hit just went off causing burns and wrist pain and swelling. Wife stated that the front windshield wipers started turning on randomly while driving to work and then airbag blew while parking.
My vehicle is shutting off while driving. It randomly shuts off and I see there are other recalls associated with this issue for a different year but same vehicle/model. I am being quoted well over $2,000 in repairs. This vehicle only has 130,000 miles on it.
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 maintenance up keep on my vehicle thereβ¦
NHTSA Recall 14v396 is probably the best correction to this issue. My van has shut off mid-driving while my children are in the car with me. It is so dangerous in the road. I can't move the steering wheel. Mechanics can't seem to diagnose the problem because the van doesn't giveβ¦
Several times in the last month the car has stopped running without warning. It just shuts off. This has happened in our subdivision travelling at 20mph and most recently on the highway travelling 65mph. The power steering, brakes, everything go dead when the car just turns off aβ¦
On Thursday January 6, 2022, I took my car Volkswagen Routan 2012 to the service center because the check engine light went on and the engine revving. The service center took a week for diagnostic it, then they informed me on January 13, after charging me $180 that it needs a newβ¦
Car is stalling out while driving with no warning. Doesn't matter the rate of speed I'm going it just cuts out. Can't turn steering wheel. No codes pop up. No mechanics can pinpoint issue. I have seen quite a few thousand people complaining of the same issue and reported it to vwβ¦
The transmission on our 2012 VW Routan has completely failed. The car will not go into gear and left my wife in a position where she was stranded in traffic. We are the original owners of this vehicle and have followed the recommended maintenance schedule. The engine in this vβ¦
The ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which then depowers various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. This has happened to me several times including while drivβ¦
referenced to recall nhsta Id no:11v-151 same issue happens on newer models, the car key ignition switch does not secure the key and that causes the car shut-down in tje middle of highway or road intermittently! Δ±t does not give any dashboard warning and no codes! all the lights β¦
The battery started dying randomly several months ago. I have called multiple dealerships and had diagnostics ran twice on the car. Initially I was told there is no draw on the battery. Then it was discovered that the TIPM module needs to be replaced. I then started researching tβ¦
While driving along my vehicle will shut completely off. This happens especially on bumpy roads. Sometime the vehicle will shut off right after starting the engine. The only way I can duplicate the problem is to turn the key completely off and restart the vehicle. This problem isβ¦
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STREET VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 8707 PILGRIM DR, AMARILLO, TX 79119, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FLY-Wβ¦
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMAL DRIVING. THE CONTACT INITIALLY CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BY PHONE AND WAS REFERRED β¦
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED STALLING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN, AND DIFFICULTY STARTING MULTIPLE TIMES. ENGINE HAS NOW STALLED MORE FREQUENTLY AT BOTH LOW SPEEDS AND WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. EACH TIME, RPM'S HAVE GONE TO ZERO AND IT'S COMPLETELY LOST POWER TO STEERING. I'VE HAD TRY AND COβ¦
WHEN GETTING OFF HIGHWAY WHILE AT LIGHT MY CAR SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AND I HAD TO HAVE TOWED. THE RIGHT SIDE CYLINDER HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $4000. VW IS REPLACING THE LEFT SIDE UNDER WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS BUT NOT THE RIGHT SIDE FOR Sβ¦
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 OCCUβ¦
THE VEHICLE OFTEN HAS DIFFICULTY STARTING AND WILL OCCASIONALLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS SIMILAR TO THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN SAFETY RECALL 28H1 WHICH ONLY COVERS YEAR MODELS 2009-2010. I DON'T REMEMBER EXACTLY WHEN THE ISSUE STARTED, BUT IT WAS WITHIN THE LAST YEAβ¦
THE DRIVERS HEADREST AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE SITTING IN MY GARAGE. ENGINE HAD JUST BEEN STARTED. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IT COULD HAVE STARTLED DRIVER TO THE POINT OF LOSS OF CONTROL.
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.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan.
Safety recalls
2012 Volkswagen Routan recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan. One recall indicates a known issue that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:REAR
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Volkswagen Routan buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Routan reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 63 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2012 Routan may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and engine repairs. The low complaint count and single recall suggest limited data, so proceed with caution. 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 2012 Volkswagen Routan?βΎ
#1: Electrical Faults (39 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (21 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Volkswagen Routan, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 63 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2012 Volkswagen Routan. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. One recall indicates a known issue that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Volkswagen Routan?βΎ
The 2012 Routan may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and engine repairs. The low complaint count and single recall suggest limited data, so proceed with caution. Electrical faults and engine problems are the top complaints, which can lead 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
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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.