AI Damage2013 Volkswagen Routan: common problems
Owners of the 2013 Volkswagen Routan filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 7
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 43% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 29% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 29% of all complaints
- 4 Seats 14% of all complaints
- Engine: 3 complaints (43% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (29% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (29% of all).
- Seats: 1 complaints (14% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 7 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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, [ZIP] [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 12,538 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Routan has 112 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 7, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Seats. Occupant sensor, power adjustment, seat mounts.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, electrical system, powertrain. Total complaints: 7. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (43%), jerking, harsh shifts (29%), engine failure or replacement (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2013 Volkswagen Routan from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2013 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.