2012 Volkswagen Routan recalls and problems

The 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 1 safety recall and 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Volkswagen Routan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Volkswagen Routan recalls

Recall 12V-147: Suspension

Reported Apr 5, 2012 · 15 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	39
Engine	21
Steering	8
Fuel/Propulsion System	8
Service Brakes	7
Power Train	7
Unknown or Other	7
Air Bags	6
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Exterior Lighting	2
Seats	2
Visibility/Wiper	1

Most reported parts

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 1
Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Volkswagen Routan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jul 8, 2024

Driver steering wheel airbag deployed while parking van at work. Nothing was hit just went off causing burns and wrist pain and swelling. Wife stated that the front windshield wipers started turning on randomly while driving to work and then airbag blew while parking.

Electrical System · reported Mar 22, 2024

My vehicle is shutting off while driving. It randomly shuts off and I see there are other recalls associated with this issue for a different year but same vehicle/model. I am being quoted well over $2,000 in repairs. This vehicle only has 130,000 miles on it.

Service Brakes · reported Dec 17, 2023

At first it starts off the vehicle will just shut off while you are driving which is very dangerous I have read many people complaining about this it needs to be recalled then the brakes go and then the transmission seal I have done all the maintenance up keep on my vehicle there is no reason for the vehicle did you shut off the way it keeps shutting off and dying for no reason the battery keeps dying by the next morning when nothing is left on in the vehicle it has caused me a great deal of grief and it is very scary when you have children in the car and your vehicle just shuts off on the…

Engine · reported Jun 22, 2023

NHTSA Recall 14v396 is probably the best correction to this issue. My van has shut off mid-driving while my children are in the car with me. It is so dangerous in the road. I can't move the steering wheel. Mechanics can't seem to diagnose the problem because the van doesn't give any computer codes when it would shut down. There are similar complaints and I wonder how Volkswagen knows of this issue and has failed to inform the owners of these vehicles. Chrysler had a similar issue and did a recall. I hope Volkswagen would acknowledge this issue.

Electrical System · reported Oct 4, 2022

Several times in the last month the car has stopped running without warning. It just shuts off. This has happened in our subdivision travelling at 20mph and most recently on the highway travelling 65mph. The power steering, brakes, everything go dead when the car just turns off and this could cause a serious accident.

Other Volkswagen Routan years

201320122011 2010 2009 2008

Compare all Volkswagen Routan years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan: 12V-147 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (39 reports), followed by engine (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.