Research · Minivan - 2WD
2013 Volkswagen RoutanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan. Most complaints involve engine (3) and power train (2). 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
7
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2016 – Jun 2023
- Engine3
- Power train2
- Electrical system2
- Seats1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
3 reports
“THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE CONSTANTLY MOVING TO 220 THERMOSTAT WATER PUMP AND SENSOR WAS CHANGED WITH NEW ANTIFREEZE. ITS STILL DOING YHE SAME THING. I NOTIVED SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I AM STATIONARY OR MOVING II WILL MOVE.”
Power train
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. During the failure, no warning lights were illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
Electrical system
2 reports
“ENGINE WON'T START WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED WHILE VAN IS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, GARAGE, AT GAS STATION, AT SORE PARKING LOT; ALARM HORN SOUNDS FOR NO REASON WHEN VAN IS PARKED; DOORS LOCK WHEN EXITING VEHICLE YET NO LOCK/FOB HAS BEEN PRESSED LOCKING BOTH ELDERLY PARENTS INSIDE VAN WHEN TEMPS. WERE -5 DEGREES OUTSIDE; ENGINE ONLY STARTS WHEN REMOTE START BUTTON ON KEY FOB IS USED, THEN THE ALARM HORN SOUNDS UNTIL VAN IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE ISSUE IS CLEARLY THE T.I.P.M. MODULE WHICH HAS BEEN AN ISSUE ON SEVERAL CHRYSLER-BASED PRODUCTS (WHICH THIS ROUTAN IS.) VW HAS RUN DIAGNOSTIC CODES TWICE AND NOTHING TURNS UP BECAUSE THE VAN ISN'T RUNNING TO TRIGGER A CODE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, THEY SAY THE T.I.P.M. IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE NO CODES ARE TRIGGERED. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NO.: TB-15-11-04. NHTSA NUMBER: 10043276. THE DATE LISTED BELOW (01/06/2015) IS THE FIRST INSTANCE OF ENGINE FAILURE, IT HAS BEEN ONGOING AS OF LAST WEEK, 7/6/2016.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| 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 | 454 |
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 7139
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2013 Routan questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Routan have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Volkswagen Routan problems?
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), power train (2), electrical system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Volkswagen Routan get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Routan at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026