2011 Volkswagen Routan

175 federal complaints (302 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 393 service bulletins
See all 7 model years of the Volkswagen Routan →
Engine
3.6L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
17 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
175
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
111
Engine & cooling
50
Fuel system
41
Power train
19
Other
18
Brakes
15
Stability control
12
Steering
11
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 7 complaints01 years old: 9 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 8 complaints4 years old: 22 complaints5 years old: 32 complaints56 years old: 37 complaints7 years old: 15 complaints8 years old: 15 complaints9 years old: 13 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 174 of 175 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 8 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 15 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 21 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 47 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 26 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 17 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 2 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 4 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 143 of 175 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

111 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"Car has issues starting as if fuel pump isnt coming on... also vehicle shut down in middle of driving down highway would not restart..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

50 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"CAR WON'T START. LOW CHARGE, LIGHTS NOT WORKING, HORN NOT WORKING, OVER HEATING. FIRST IT HAPPANED WHILE PARKED AND THEN WHILE DRIVING...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Fuel system

41 complaint records1 crash report
"TIPM WAS RECALLED FOR CHRYSLER/DODGE AND SHOULD BE FOR VW ROUTAN. FROM WHAT I'VE READ THE CAR CAN STALL IF THIS PART IS BAD..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DC_VW_CF_Airbag
Mar 2026
Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
V1917012022548_14
Feb 2025
EngineIdentifying and Mixing Engine Coolant
MULT action closures VW
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherMultiple Emissions service action closures
CampTip_RNA_VW
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
V3718022033975_13
Sep 2024
Power TrainFluid requirements
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TT 00-24-01
Sep 2024
StructureWind & Water Leak Checking
V691901201047916
Jan 2024
Unknown Or OtherAirbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
V871810204370421
Nov 2023
VisibilityReporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number
TT 001601_6
Aug 2023
EquipmentHelpline & Parts Dept. contact information.
V371802203397511
Jun 2023
Power TrainAutomatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
V171901201285560
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingEngine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V4016012043146_2
Feb 2023
StructureStrut or Shock leak assessment.
VWP-23-01
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis Document informs dealers on VWP-23-01
V691901201047915
Feb 2023
Seat BeltsVW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.
TT 91 23 01
Jan 2023
EquipmentRadio knob replacement instead of radio replacement w/ knob part number.
WLA-22-15
Nov 2022
Forward Collision AvoidanceACC Calibration Process
V871810204370417
Nov 2022
EquipmentA/C requirements, update to model year applicability.
V0017062033708_8
Sep 2022
Structureupdate to required vehicle wash shampoo.
CT_batt_charger
Aug 2022
Electrical SystemMinimum battery charger requirements during software updates
V3718022033975_8
Jun 2022
Power TrainAuto Trans fluid requirements.
V8720022061094_7
Jun 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingRefrigerant leak diagnosis using Nitrogen. Updated to include ID.4
V8720022061094_5
Jun 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingRefrigerant leak diagnosis using Nitrogen. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.
TT 13 20 01_2
May 2022
EngineEngine oil pressure priming.
TT 27-10-02_4
May 2022
Electrical SystemBattery Tester VAS 6161 introduction.
A002155201173212
Dec 2021
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
TT 01 21 03
Dec 2021
EquipmentExplanation of error message received from scan tool when erasing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in Control Module -623- after repair.
V691901201047914
Nov 2021
Electrical SystemUpdate to model year applicability.
TT 61 21 01
Sep 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingRepublication of archived technical tip for water leak testing fixture.
V871810204370416
Aug 2021
EquipmentA/C Compressor replacement requirements, updated to include additional model year applicability.
TT 00 16 01_5
Jun 2021
EquipmentNavigation for addressing incorrect Part direction.
9004330
Jun 2021
Power TrainPLATE, TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE For 3.6L with 62TE NOTE: FOR ALL PROMASTER (VF) 3.6L/62TE EQUIPPED VEHICLES: IF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE FASTENERS ARE REMOVED DURING SERVICING, THE FASTENERS (Part Number 06511385A$) ARE ONE TIME USEAGE & MUST BE REPLACED &...
ELSAallignVW
Apr 2021
EquipmentElsa2Go campaign information is now 100% aligned with ElsaPro. This update to Elsa2Go ensures that both systems are displaying the same campaign information, including OPEN/CLOSED status, repair date as well as criterions at the same time without any discrepancy.
CustomerLetter
Apr 2021
Fuel System2009-2015 Model Year Volkswagen TDI® Clean Diesel Vehicles Registered in Minnesota
CustomerLetterA
Apr 2021
Unknown Or OtherWarranty Extension for Fuel Injectors Certain 2011 Model Year Volkswagen
CustomerLetterB
Apr 2021
Fuel SystemWarranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011
TT 00 13 04_6
Apr 2021
EquipmentParts ordering information
V3718022033975_7
Mar 2021
Power TrainTransmission Fluid requirements updated to include additional model year applicability.
TT 97 14 02
Jan 2021
Back Over PreventionData link diagnostics and tips
V871810204370415
Jan 2021
Service BrakesA/C requirements, update to title.
SM C-2020
Dec 2020
EquipmentThis special notice is to inform dealers to return the part numbers listed (State of California only).
V8720022061094_2
Nov 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingUsing Nitrogen to assist in finding A/C refrigerant leaks.
V8720022061094-1
Oct 2020
EquipmentUsing Nitrogen to assist in finding A/C refrigerant leaks.
TT 00 16 02-4
Oct 2020
Service BrakesMandatory fastener.
TT 45 09 05-6
Sep 2020
EquipmentAntilock brake function test direction.
V0017062033708-5
Sep 2020
StructureUpdated to include additional models and model year applicability.
TT 45 09 05
Sep 2020
Service BrakesAntilock brake function test direction.
V871810204370412
Aug 2020
EquipmentStatement referring to TB 2043893 removed. To include additional models and model year applicability. A.C. Compressor Replacement, GFF Required Regardless of Concern and Flush Requirement
VW Part Labels
Aug 2020
EquipmentRecall Reminder Part Labels
TT 13 20 01
Aug 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingOil pressure priming after engine replacement or internal repair.
TT 45 09 05ss2
Jul 2020
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) function test may not end on its own causing DTC.
DOR-M3J3F-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
DOR-M9J4S-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
V0018052010380_8
Jun 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityUpdate to include 2020-2021 model and model year applicability.
V871811204389310
May 2020
EquipmentNew machine version added to table.
TT 97 20 01 SS1
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemVoltage Drop Testing. Updated for picture clarity.
TT 97 20 01
Apr 2020
EquipmentVoltage Drop Testing.
VWALLMDLTRECHNS
Apr 2020
EquipmentTire Chain Information (for California dealers only) All Model Years. Information only for all other dealers.
TT 20 09 01
Mar 2020
Fuel SystemUpdate to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
Dealercomm200310
Mar 2020
EquipmentVolkswagen After Sales Weekly Communication - March 10, 2020
V011812_2014603
Dec 2019
EquipmentUpdate model applicability to MY 2020.

Showing 60 of 393 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Routan →