2011 Volkswagen Routan problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 302 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Routan year — the 2011 model ranks #3 of 7 Routan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 29 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 41% of all reports (123 of 302), far ahead of engine at 50.
302
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
29
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other Routan years?
What are the most common 2011 Volkswagen Routan problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 123 | 41% | — flat |
| Engine | 50 | 17% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 41 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 19 | 6% | — flat |
| Other | 17 | 6% | — flat |
| Brakes | 15 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 11 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MY CHILDREN AND I WERE STATIONARY AT A LIGHT WHEN THE VAN STARTED SPUTTERING. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I ACCELERATED. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE VAN CUT OFF. I HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS. THIS NOW HAPPENS OFTEN AND I NEVER KNOW WHERE OR WHEN IT WILL CUT OFF. MOST DAYS IT WILL NOT START. I HAVE HAD A VW…”
“MY CHILDREN AND I WERE STATIONARY AT A LIGHT WHEN THE VAN STARTED SPUTTERING. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I ACCELERATED. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE VAN CUT OFF. I HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS. THIS NOW HAPPENS OFTEN AND I NEVER KNOW WHERE OR WHEN IT WILL CUT OFF. MOST DAYS IT WILL NOT START. I HAVE HAD A VW…”
“MY CHILDREN AND I WERE STATIONARY AT A LIGHT WHEN THE VAN STARTED SPUTTERING. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I ACCELERATED. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE VAN CUT OFF. I HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS. THIS NOW HAPPENS OFTEN AND I NEVER KNOW WHERE OR WHEN IT WILL CUT OFF. MOST DAYS IT WILL NOT START. I HAVE HAD A VW…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND WHITE SMOKE AND FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REMOVED THE THREE CHILD PASSENGERS FROM THE…”
“DRIVER AIR BAG HAS FAILED TWICE RESULTING IN HIGH DOLLAR REPAIRS. BRAKES GO BAD EXTREMELY FAST. ALREADY REPLACED 2 FULL SETS OF BRAKES AND ROTORS IN 2 YEARS; LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON EACH SET. VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKS WHEN IN REVERSE ON A HILL. ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF POPPING IN STEERING. DEALER UNABLE…”
2011 Volkswagen Routan — common questions
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Routan reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 302 complaints put the 2011 model at #3 of 7 Routan years. It is one of the Routan years to avoid.
What are the most common 2011 Routan problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (123 complaints), engine (50 complaints), fuel system (41 complaints).
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Routan have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan.
Which Volkswagen Routan years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Routan years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Routan years belongs to 2014.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.