Research · Minivan - 2WD

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.

Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
175
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

175 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2011 – Feb 2025
  1. Electrical system111
  2. Engine48
  3. Fuel/propulsion system39
  4. Power train19
  5. Service brakes15
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)12
  7. Steering11
  8. Vehicle speed control8
  9. Air bags6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Routan model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2009294
2010240
2011175
201263
20137
20142
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
21
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

111 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2025Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11635180

Engine

48 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2024EngineODI 11587480

Fuel/propulsion system

39 reports1 crash
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2020Electrical system, Electronic stability control (esc), Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11344079
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Routan
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172520$3,100444
  • Routan
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 695
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026