2013 Volkswagen Routan problems
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.
Manufactured alongside the Chrysler and Dodge minivans at Windsor Assembly and marketed in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Routan debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in the United States in September of the same year as a 2009 model. The Routan's minivan variants include the Dodge Caravan, Ram C/V, Chrysler Town & Country, and Lancia Voyager (export)—that by 2009 have ranked as the 13th best-selling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.
Production of the Routan was halted in 2012 due to high inventory levels, and Volkswagen announced the 2013 model year would be primarily reserved for rental car companies and other fleets, with limited availability to the public at dealer showrooms. This also held for the 2014 model year Routan.
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Common 2013 Volkswagen Routan problems
The Volkswagen Routan, a minivan produced between 2009 and 2014, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car.
One of the most significant issues is related to the timing chain tensioner problems in the EA888 2.0-liter engine, which can lead to a loose timing chain and catastrophic engine failure.
Another problem reported by owners is related to the engine itself. In the case of a 2013 VW Routan, the high-speed oil pump failed, causing the engine to fail. This issue is well documented and is related to the Chrysler Pentastar engine used in the Routan.
The check engine light is another issue that has been reported by owners of the 2013 VW Routan. While it is not always indicative of a severe problem, it can be caused by a loose gas cap or a failed electrical connector under the hood.
The brakes of the 2013 VW Routan have also been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing premature wear on the brake pads and rotors. This issue can lead to a decrease in braking performance and an increase in the risk of accidents.
The transmission of the 2013 VW Routan has also been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing difficulty starting the vehicle or the vehicle not starting at all. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including electrical problems or issues with the transmission itself.
In summary, the Volkswagen Routan has been known to have several common problems, including issues with the timing chain tensioner, engine, check engine light, brakes, and transmission. These issues can lead to a decrease in vehicle performance and an increase in the risk of accidents. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Are Volkswagen Routans reliable?
The Volkswagen Routan Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $745 which means it has average ownership costs.
Why did Volkswagen stop making the Routan?
Automotive industry analysts were not surprised by VW's decision to drop the Routan because buyers had no reason for selecting the Routan over the similar Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, and the Routan's base price of nearly $28,000 was far more than the basic $21,000 Grand Caravan, while the ...
What is the problem with the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
(Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. What should you do: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will modify the ignition switch, free of charge.
How much is a Volkswagen Routan?
The average Volkswagen Routan costs about $7,412.54. The average price has decreased by -5.4% since last year. The 92 for sale on CarGurus range from $2,400 to $25,888 in price.
Are Volkswagen Routans reliable?
The Volkswagen Routan Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $745 which means it has average ownership costs.
Why did Volkswagen stop making the Routan?
Automotive industry analysts were not surprised by VW's decision to drop the Routan because buyers had no reason for selecting the Routan over the similar Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, and the Routan's base price of nearly $28,000 was far more than the basic $21,000 Grand Caravan, while the ...
What is the problem with the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
(Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. What should you do: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will modify the ignition switch, free of charge.
Where is the Routan made?
Windsor Assembly plant
Manufactured alongside Dodge and Chrysler minivans at the Windsor Assembly plant in Ontario, the Routan was an attempt by Volkswagen to market a vehicle specifically for the United States.
2013 Volkswagen Routan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Routan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Volkswagen Routan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Volkswagen Routan complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Volkswagen Routan.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-15
- VIN: 2C4RVABG5DR
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-12
- VIN: 2C4RVABG7DR
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the passenger’s side front headrest prematurely deployed without impact. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-28
- VIN: 2C4RVABG5DR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, he started to hear an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact stated that he replaced the intake manifold and the check engine warning light disappeared. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact also called a second local dealer Volkswagen of St. Augustine (3235 US-1, St. Augustine, FL 32086:(904) 467-8880), and made them aware of the failure. The contact stated that currently the vehicle was shifting into gear incorrectly. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-21
- VIN: 2C4RVAAG0DR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-01
- VIN: 2C4RVABG9DR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER SOMETIMES HARSHLY UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE AT 45-60MPH AND SMALL HILL OR ACCELERATION. DEALER DIAGNOSED A LEFT CYLINDER HEAD FAILURE AND CYLINDER MISFIRES. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. NOT INCLUDED BY VIN AND FALLS JUST OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURING DATE, WHICH RESULTED IN A MANUFACTURERS EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR SIMILAR FAILURES. REQUESTED ASSISTANCE FROM VW DUE TO THE SIMILARITY OF FAILURE AND CLOSE MANUFACTURING DATE FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. VW DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. HARD TO BELIEVE A VEHICLE JUST PRODUCED OUTSIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WINDOW WOULD HAVE A SIMILAR FAILURE AND NOT BE A PART OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. REVIEW THE DOCUMENTED COMPLAINTS... MANY 2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY AND VW ROUTAN VANS HAVE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD FAILURES THAT ARE DOCUMENTED YET ARE NOT INCLUDED BY THE MANUFACTURERS IN THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTICE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-20
- VIN: 2C4RVAAG5DR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, JERKED, AND MISFIRED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HAWK VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 2861 W JEFFERSON ST JOLIET, IL 60435 815-741-1100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-06
- VIN: 2C4RVADG5DR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2013 Volkswagen Routan car reviews
Positive 2013 Volkswagen Routan car reviews
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I really like this minivan. The interior is very appealing and it drives very high up on the highway. I also appreciate the aluminum pentastar engine.
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I researched this car for almost 6 months and finally decided to buy it, especially with the huge incentives (a whopping $8400 off from MSRP!). The only downside is that it's always associated with Chrysler/Dodge. However, we should be proud of our own products. Based on my analysis, the handling is decent, it has enough power to pass slow-moving cars, and changing lanes is a breeze. The side mirror is a good size and adequately placed, and I don't have any problems with my blind spot. It feels like you're in control on the road, and my family loves it. Instead of getting the overpriced Sienna and Odyssey, save your extra money for a vacation.
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We bought our new 2011 Routan in September of that year from Bommorito VW, just West of St. Louis, MO. It's one of the few cars we've ever bought new, and it's been a great buy! If I remember correctly, we purchased it for $24,500 as they had an $8k off of MSRP deal. We opted for two DVD player screens, but in reality, one would have sufficed. My only regret is not purchasing the built-in GPS. We've driven just under 80,000 miles (writing in January of '16) and have had only minor issues. The rear door stopped working, and one of the sliding doors was iffy for a while. Rotors always went out around 70,000 miles. We've had multiple long-distance road trips, one covering 3,200 miles (Charlotte NC to Omaha NE to Harmoney MN down to Memphis, TN and then back to Charlotte), and we average an incredible 28 MPG, pretty sweet in my opinion. I probably averaged 70 - 72 MPH on that trip. I wish VW had kept making this car; it's sad to see its value drop when production stopped. We have our fourth kid on the way, so we may need to upgrade to a bigger vehicle in the next 6 months or so, but if not for that, we would keep the car until it died. Has anyone landed more than 150k miles on their Routon without major issues? Anyway, we really like our Routan and do not have any buyer's regrets 80k later!
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We found the perfect minivan for our needs at an affordable price. After researching various options, we decided to purchase a Certified Used 2012 Routan SE with Nav and DVD, which only had 2.5K miles, for $24K. Compared to other competitors like Toyota and Honda, we were able to save between 13K to 16K for the same features. The Routan is a convertible, runs quietly, has great power, and looks fantastic. Although it's unfortunate that they won't be producing this model in 2013, there are still some brand new 2012 minivans available at dealerships with excellent options and a $7-8K discount off the sticker price. As first-time minivan owners, we are thrilled with our purchase so far!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to let you know that I think this van is absolutely fantastic. It's definitely the most stylish and comfortable one I've come across in my search. Even though this is my first time owning a VW, I can already tell that it won't be my last. Thanks for your time!
Other years of Volkswagen Routan
Are you having problems with your 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
Westley Hickle 2025-04-01
If you are considering purchasing this van, we recommend investing in an extended warranty. While it is a big and heavy vehicle, it may not be as durable as previous generations of Grand Caravans. The brakes are undersized and tend to wear out quickly, requiring replacement every 25k miles or so. Additionally, there have been some reported issues with the driver's side seat heater, flex plate in the transmission, and torque converter solenoid. The interior quality is not the best, and there have been some issues with rattling and the Bluetooth connection. However, we understand that every vehicle has its quirks and issues, and we encourage you to do your own research and make an informed decision. Thank you for considering this van!
Tyreek Lemke 2025-03-17
We purchased this van in 2015 as a certified pre-owned vehicle from the dealer with 38,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, we experienced some issues with the vehicle, including a cracked head gasket at 45,000 miles and some roughness in the engine and transmission in cold weather. We also had some other issues, such as the tiptronic going out at 60,000 miles, transmission leaks at 65,000 miles, engine mount problems at 65,000 miles, fuel line detachment at 70,000 miles, and rocker arm issues at 83,000 and 87,000 miles. Currently, the van is not starting due to a TIPM issue, and there were some challenges with the dealer replacing the wrong parts. We are disappointed that the reliability of this VW van did not meet our expectations. We hope that VW will consider partnering with more reliable brands in the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Rocky Kling 2025-03-14
Firstly, these cars are built by Chrysler and unfortunately have issues with the tipm module. Repair costs can be upwards of $1,000 and there is no guarantee that the issue will not reoccur. After conducting some research, I found that many people have experienced this problem, which can cause the car to turn off while driving or prevent it from starting altogether. I have personally experienced these issues with my van, which has 53K miles on it. Additionally, I have noticed that the engine is weak and the transmission is starting to give me problems. There is also a side door that makes noises when I open it. In my opinion, it may be best to avoid these vans. As of 21 February 2017, VW has not taken any action to address these issues. I believe that it is important for companies to respect their clients and take responsibility for any problems that arise. Please take this into consideration when making your decision about purchasing a VW.
Delbert Bernier 2025-02-23
The 2011 VW Routan is a great improvement over the previous year thanks to design refreshes and a more powerful powertrain featuring a six-speed transmission, the new Penstar 3.6L 283 HP six-cylinder engine, and euro sport-tuned suspension. The build quality of the Routan's interior is excellent with high-quality materials. The exterior styling is nice and not overly boxy like the Dodge/Chrysler models, with sleek sloping lines that are just right. Storage is abundant and replaces the stow n go found in the Routan's cousin. The Routan is an excellent choice over Chrysler, but if you're looking for quality and refinement, Honda and Toyota may be a better choice.
Carroll Parisian 2025-02-19
In 2017, we decided to replace our Routan with a Ford Expedition. While the Routan was a nice looking car and drove well, it had a lot of issues. The leatherette fabric on the seats had been wearing out, tearing, and flaking off for years, especially on the driver's seat. Additionally, there were always things breaking or failing on the car, such as the rear brake lights shorting out every three months. Living in an area with snow and ice, we needed a more reliable SUV. In 2016, we continued to experience problems with the Routan, including the leatherette ripping on the seats and sharp, chrome peeling on the door handles. While these issues were not covered under warranty, we were grateful for the extended warranty we had purchased. We had to replace the rear gasket twice in one year, the belt in the passenger side door holding up the window snapped, and the fan belts in both the engine area and AC gave out. We had to make several trips to the service department within a month of purchasing the car from Ken Garff VW in Orem in November of 2011. While we loved the way the Routan looked and felt, we ultimately decided to sell it before the warranty ended.But I had a bit of bad luck with my car recently. The motor for the AC and heater broke, and then the electrical system went haywire, causing my car to shut off while I was driving. It's currently in the shop, but I'm hoping to get it back soon. I'm starting to think about getting a new car, but I'm not quite ready to give up on this one just yet.