Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Volkswagen Routan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 190,000.
While driving on a highway at 65 Mph, vehicle shut down, lost brakes, steering, and all power, had to coast to a stop, narrowly avoiding a collision. Upon exhaustive review, TIPM was faulty, causing starting issues, intermittent power loss, and fuel pump issues. As this van is manufactured by Chrysler (for VW) and their (identical) model has the same issue, it was known and recalled, it is appalling that no recall exists for this VW model. These vans are being financed and bought by families, and like us driven daily with children in them. The issue is widespread, very well known, but as in our case, not disclosed by dealerships as no official action has ever been taken, and no official record exists. …
loss of steering while driving, fluid loss multiple times since late september 2024(all while driving and no lights or warnings came on), 2 snapped serpentine belts, key ignition sticking(would not turn), dashboard not lighting up, rpm no longer rests below 1.5 - 2, car struggles to accelerate(especially uphill), car turns over and struggles to start, even though has newer battery. 1/9/25 driving to an appointment, upon reaching destination, a pop sound. No smell, no warnings came up on dashboard. Upon leaving, saw fluid leak, headed straight to dealership, at which a massive amount of fluid began pouring out of vehicle..in exact same area as original issue from 8/31/24.
The van totally looses all power while driving. It happens multiple times per week. While driving the van dies, it takes about 3-5 seconds then the power comes back, we can then drive again. When it happens, sometimes the power doesn't come back on its own, we then have to put it in neutral and restart it, then can drive as normal.
Th engine malfunction was observed and confirmed by the Mecanicien and the cause was from the manufacture. I'm willing to submit the car for any inspection. The car is still drivable, but I have to report it. I have been trying to call since longtime in vain. Thank
When driving for about 25 and then getting to a stop light. As I slow down and start to come to a stop the car shakes very roughly and turns right off. The first time this happened was 3 days after getting car from Carmax. It had not happened again until this week.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Routan. While driving approximately 35 MPH, all the warning indicators illuminated and white smoke and flames emerged from the engine compartment. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and removed the three child passengers from the vehicle. The fire department was not present. No injuries were reported. The fire extinguished itself when the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the battery and the alternator were burnt and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the repairs were insufficient. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (neftin westlake Volkswagen, 3550 auto mall drive, thousand oaks, california 91362) where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated program module and transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
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
On September 15th 2015, I brought my 2011 Volkswagen Routan to pioneer automotive services in oak harbor washington because the vehicle failed to start after several instances. After many hours of trouble shooting, I received word that it was the total integrated power module (TIPM). They could order one and install it, but would have to be towed to burlington washington to the closest Volkswagen dealership to be programmed. This part will cost me $822 with additional costs for installation and programming. After much research, I found there to be recalls for this part in Chrysler vehicles ranging in my year. I own a Volkswagen, but it has a Chrysler motor in it. This indicates that my vehicle should have been recalled for this potentially life threatening defect, but because its a Volkswagen with a Chrysler motor, this was their way to avoid an even larger number of recalled vehicles. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Ever since the vehicle was purchased new from national Volkswagen (2223 n marine blvd, jacksonville, nc 28546, [phone]), the contact had been experiencing failures. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate properly and the instrument panel indicators kept illuminating. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where they reprogrammed the computer for the power train. The failures recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The power train computer was reprogrammed again, but the failures continued. On another occasion, the side doors opened without warning while driving on the highway. The contact moved to a different state and took the vehicle to lithia Volkswagen of reno (7063 s e virginia st, reno, nv 89511, [phone]). …
Engine complaints in other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Volkswagen Routan?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Volkswagen Routan, 29% of the model year's 175 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Volkswagen Routan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Volkswagen Routan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 4 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.