2011 Volkswagen Routan Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 27%of 175 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Volkswagen Routan, 27% of the 175 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My check engine light came on so I had the code checked it indicated that o2 sensors needed replaced then the code indicated a cylinder 4 misfire? Ihave replaced the ignition coil pack, checked cylinder compression, changed spark plugs and fuel injector and I still have the po304 code engine misfire cylinder #4??? I am so frustrated what else could I be missing to clear this code issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11221448, filed 2019-06, 52,000 miles“Car shut off numerous times while driving. There was no way to turn steering wheel it just stops nothing you can do to keep it running hopefully no one is tailing me because if not I will definitely crash. Mechanic can't seem to find problem. Maybe tipm or key fob? Changed key fob no luck”
NHTSA complaint #11191746, filed 2019-03, 85,000 miles“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 mechanic take a look and they advised its the fuel pump relay same that was recalled on the dodge and jeep vehicles. Because this is the same one but in vw body”
NHTSA complaint #11042282, filed 2017-11, 103,000 miles“Veicle has stalled while driving on city streets at 40 miles per hour posing a danger to my self and children leaving me and my children panicking from such incident, was able to pull to the side by hanging to steering will, turned it off and on again when I turned it on veicle started accelerating by itself it was going crazy, turned it off again and veicle started as normal, took only 3 miles for same thing to happen again. Also battery gets drained if left off for more than 4 hours.”
NHTSA complaint #11061079, filed 2018-01, 122,000 miles“Our van has had on and off weird electrical things happening for a few months - wipers come on by themselves, air turns off by itself, lights, etc. Then the van started not always starting. Sometimes it would start, then shut off by itself shortly after starting. It got to the point where it was not easily starting 2-3 times a day. The weird electrical stuff would happen when stationary or in motion. The starting problem was while stationary. Sometimes it died when I put it in gear to move. …”
NHTSA complaint #10779439, filed 2015-10, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014949Feb 12, 2025Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant
- 10212929May 26, 2022Engine oil pressure priming.
- 10181413Oct 2, 2020Mandatory fastener.
- 10165535Sep 24, 2019Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards.
- 10150856Sep 28, 2018Engine replacement tip
- 10126871Oct 20, 2016Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10126870Oct 20, 2016Update to include additional model year applicability.
- 10121998Jan 20, 2016Job Aid ? VW Engine Oil Capacities (Gasoline, Diesel, Hybrid Engines)
- 10122962May 1, 2015Tech Tips: Oil Consumption Testing. Depending on the mileage how much oil should the vehicle consumer for distance driven
- 10121223Jan 13, 2015Left Cylinder Head Limited Warranty Extension ? Certain 2011 ? 2012 Model Year Routan with 3.6L Engine (Engine Code CJRA) (US Dealers)
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2011 Volkswagen Routan
111 complaintsFuel system
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectronic stability control
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology