2012 Volkswagen Routan Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Volkswagen Routan has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 4th worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Electrical system issues dominate, making up 65% of complaints, with one recall for a suspension hub and bearing assembly issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 Routan years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 63
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2012 Volkswagen Routan problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System41 (65%)
- Engine22 (35%)
- Fuel System9 (14%)
- Brakes8 (13%)
- Steering8 (13%)
- Other7 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (11%)
- Airbags6 (10%)
- Structure & Body3 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles have lost all power while driving, including steering and brakes, at highway speeds around 55 mph.
- The instrument panel has gone dark mid-drive at high speed, requiring the engine to be turned off and restarted.
- Owners describe violent shuddering felt in the brake pedal and steering wheel when stopping.
- Some drivers report the engine stalling and the steering wheel seizing without warning, forcing a restart.
- Owners report harsh 1-3 upshifts and rough gear changes tied to torque management software.
- One owner reported that none of the airbags deployed during a crash.
2012 Volkswagen Routan recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V147000Apr 5, 2012Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 routan vehicles, manufactured from november 15, 2011, through november 21, 2011. Some vehicles may be equipped with right rear hub and bearing assemblies that were not fully machined.
Risk: This could result in a decrease in durability, which may lead to wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 20, 2012. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
2012 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.
2012 compared with other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Volkswagen Routan reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2012 Routan a complaint index of 50, ranking 4th worst among the 7 model years tracked, with a Caution verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?
- Electrical system complaints make up 65% of all reports, followed by engine issues at 35%. Owners describe sudden loss of power and instrument panel failures while driving.
- Does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2012 Routan, covering right rear hub and bearing assemblies that were not fully machined.
- How does the 2012 Routan compare to other model years?
- With a complaint index of 50, the 2012 Routan is less problematic than the 2009 and 2010 model years, which carry Avoid verdicts with indexes of 100 and 83, but worse than the 2013 model year, rated Good with an index of 33.
- What is the median mileage for electrical failures in the 2012 Routan?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 75,000 miles for electrical system failures in the 2012 Routan.