2011 Volkswagen RoutanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 175 owner complaints for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Most complaints involve electrical system (111) and engine (48). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system111
- Engine48
- Fuel/propulsion system39
- Power train19
- Service brakes15
- Electronic stability control (esc)12
- Steering11
- Vehicle speed control8
- Air bags6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“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 warnings came up on dashboard. Upon leaving, saw fluid leak, headed straight to dealership, at which a massive amount of fluid began pouring out of vehicle..in exact same area as original issue from 8/31/24.”
Engine
“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 mileage was 190,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
“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 BE RECALLED FOR THE 2011 VW ROUTAN SINCE IT'S VERY DANGEROUS THAT MY CAR COULD STOP AT ANY MOMENT. I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VAN FROM A USED CAR DEALER IN NEW JERSEY WHO NEGLECTED TO EVEN INFORM ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE EVEN THOUGH I INFORMED THEM THAT I'D BE DRIVING THE CAR CROSS COUNTRY. WHEN I WAS IN GEORGIA THE CAR STARTED CRANKING, BUT WOULDN'T START AND IT HAS HAD THIS SAME INTERMITTENT ISSUE SINCE I ARRIVED IN FL. IT TOOK A WHILE FOR US TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS EVEN WRONG WITH IT BECAUSE WHEN THE AUTO SHOP RAN A DIAGNOSTIC, NO CODES WERE RETURNED. HOWEVER, WHEN THEY FINALLY GOT THE ISSUE TO OCCUR AGAIN, THEY FOUND THAT TAPPING ON THE FUEL RELAY MODULE IN THE TIPM WOULD ALLOW THE CAR TO START. THEY ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO CHRYSLER BECAUSE IT'S ACTUALLY A CHRYSLER VAN UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I CALLED CHRYSLER, THEY TURNED ME AWAY BECAUSE THE VIN IS FOR A VW. WHEN I CALLED VW, THEY…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routan Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
- 20mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2011 Routan questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen Routan have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Volkswagen Routan problems?
Owners filed 175 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (111), engine (48), fuel/propulsion system (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Volkswagen Routan get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Volkswagen Routan at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).