2011 Volkswagen Routan Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Volkswagen Routan has a complaint index of 67, ranking 3rd worst out of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. Electrical system problems dominate, making up 63% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 Routan years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 175
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 21
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 21 / 0
Top 2011 Volkswagen Routan problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System111 (63%)
- Engine57 (33%)
- Fuel System41 (23%)
- Brakes27 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain19 (11%)
- Other18 (10%)
- Steering11 (6%)
- Structure & Body7 (4%)
- Airbags6 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden stalling and loss of power while driving, sometimes accompanied by sputtering and repeated no-start conditions.
- Some describe sparks and smoke coming from under the driver's seat electrical wiring after the vehicle was parked and turned off.
- Several owners report unintended acceleration or a stuck throttle at highway speed that later released on its own.
- Steering boot and steering pump failures were reported at very low mileage, with the vehicle pulling to the right.
- Owners report white smoke and flames from the engine compartment while driving at moderate speed.
- One owner reported airbags failing to deploy during a side-impact collision that caused the vehicle to roll over.
2011 Volkswagen Routan recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2011 Volkswagen Routan fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Volkswagen Routan reliable?
- Compared with other Routan model years, 2011 ranks 3rd worst out of 7 with a complaint index of 67 and a Caution verdict based on NHTSA complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Volkswagen Routan?
- Electrical system issues are the top problem area, accounting for 63% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 71,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 model year.
- Which Routan model years should be avoided instead of 2011?
- The 2009 and 2010 Routan carry Avoid verdicts, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83, both higher than the 2011 model's 67.
- What mileage do 2011 Routan problems typically show up at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 69,000 miles across reported complaints for the 2011 model year.