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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We purchased the 2011 Routan for our summer driving season. This van has been great for us! The navigation and entertainment system are very easy to use. It's also nice to have the various electronic access points in the rear seats. We drove the van 12,000 miles this summer and we couldn't be happier!
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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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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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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!
Other years of Volkswagen Routan
Are you having problems with your 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
Jessie Green 2025-06-15
I am sorry to hear about the issues you have experienced with your mini van, which has been relied upon heavily as a family vehicle, especially for transporting your grandkids to and from school. The van was purchased new in 2010, and while there were some initial safety concerns with a vibration in the body when the brake was applied, the dealership was able to fix it as a factory defect. Later, you had to take it back to the dealership for a number of alarms in the instrumentation panel. Recently, you noticed white smoke coming from the engine, and had it towed back to the dealership to replace a part of the cooling system that caused the coolant to leak. Unfortunately, this repair is not covered by the extended warranty, and you had to pay over $600. While this has been a frustrating experience, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Thank you for your feedback.
Randall Feest 2025-05-23
The transmission failed at 55,000 miles and unfortunately, the dealer did not provide coverage for it. Despite multiple repairs, the transmission broke down four more times, resulting in the car being in the shop for 1-2 weeks each time. Additionally, the ignition failed twice and there were issues with the electronics. The key also had to be replaced as it stopped working. Unfortunately, none of these repairs were covered by the warranty.
Trevion Powlowski 2025-05-04
I've been the proud owner of this vehicle since August 2011. Despite having only driven 8600 miles, I've taken two extended trips, one of which was over 500 miles. During that trip, I filled up at the start and drove 276 miles, maintaining a speed of 65-70 mph and making only one stop. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I got over 30 miles per gallon, which was fantastic! However, I have had some issues with the vehicle's cruise control. It seems to work intermittently, which can be frustrating. I've taken it to the dealership twice, but unfortunately, the issue still persists. Additionally, I've noticed a jerking feeling when backing up, which the dealership has acknowledged as a known issue, but has yet to fix. Despite these issues, I still really like the car overall. It drives well and is fairly quiet on the road. Plus, the free oil changes for 36 months are definitely a nice bonus!
Jettie Johnson 2025-04-22
This is an unacceptable situation. I was driving on the freeway at 60MPH with a baby in the car when the vehicle suddenly stopped and would not move. The day before, I had taken the car to the dealer because I was experiencing acceleration issues, but they assured me that nothing was wrong. The next day, while 60 miles away from home, the car stalled on the freeway. This is a clear example of the worst warranty service. When I called roadside assistance, I was informed that they could not help me because the nearest dealer required an appointment (Cardinale Way VW). When I contacted Volkswagen, they advised me to work with the dealer because they are a private company. This is unacceptable given the company's warranty. I demand a resolution to this issue immediately.
Leonel Torp 2025-04-18
This minivan drives and rides well, and the motor and transmission seem to be in good condition. However, it has had many recalls and experienced an issue where all the lights and electronics went out, causing the motor to die. Although it restarted, there are some concerns such as rattling and squeaking fan belts, a non-functional driver's side window, and DVD screens that block the rearview mirror. Additionally, the AC is not as cold as expected for a brand new car, and the fuel economy is not up to the rated standard. It may be worth doing more research before making a purchase. Thank you for considering this information.