YearToAvoid

2012 Volkswagen Routan Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#4 most-complained of 7 Routan years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 63 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 50 out of 100 — #4 highest of 7 Routan model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is electrical system (41 complaints, 65% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash and 2 injuries.

Complaints
63
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
20
17 city / 25 hwy

Top 2012 Volkswagen Routan problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System41 (65%)
  2. Engine22 (35%)
  3. Fuel System9 (14%)
  4. Brakes8 (13%)
  5. Steering8 (13%)
  6. Other7 (11%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain7 (11%)
  8. Airbags6 (10%)
  9. Structure & Body3 (5%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)
2012 Volkswagen Routan complaints: complaints filed per month8May 2013Oct 2015Sep 2017Aug 2018Mar 2019Jan 2020Jul 2021Jun 2023
113 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2013 to Jul 2024; peak Jan 2019 (8).

2012 Volkswagen Routan recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002008200920102011201220132014
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Avoid83240219
2011Caution67175020
2012Caution5063120
2013Good337020
2014No verdict02020

All Volkswagen Routan years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Routan a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Volkswagen Routan ranks #4 of 7 among Routan model years (Complaint Index 50/100, verdict: Caution). It has 63 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?
The most reported problem areas are electrical system (41 complaints), engine (22 complaints), and fuel system (9 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 76,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan, most recently reported 2012, covering suspension, wheels & tires.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?
EPA rates the 2012 Volkswagen Routan at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.