Volkswagen Routan Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Volkswagen Routan model year (2009–2013) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Volkswagen Routan Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 230 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 262
0 recalls · 189 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 209
0 recalls · 134 complaints
12 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 158
Best Volkswagen Routan Years to Buy
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 7
1 recall · 61 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 68
Found the right year? Verify that specific Routan with a free VIN report.
Volkswagen Routan — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 1 | 61 | 2 | — | 68 | Good |
| 2011 | 0 | 134 | 12 | — | 158 | Caution |
| 2010 | 0 | 189 | 10 | — | 209 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 4 | 230 | 10 | — | 262 | Avoid |
All 5 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Volkswagen Routan Shopping Guide by Era
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade Routan units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Routan models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Routan should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2009 Volkswagen Routan if possible. It has 4 recalls, 230 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 262 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Routan to buy?+
The 2013 Volkswagen Routan is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 7. It has only 0 recalls and 7 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Routan has the fewest problems?+
The 2013, 2012 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Volkswagen Routan Research
Check a Specific Volkswagen Routan VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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