DecodedCars2012 Volkswagen Routan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- FWD Minivan Trendline/Comfortline/High
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 202.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,495 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints58 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 175 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,495 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 6% worse than the 2012 minivan average of 21.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Routan — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Routan →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD Minivan Trendline/Comfortline/High | 202.4 in | 76.8 in | 68.9 in | 121.3 in | 65 / 65 in | 4,495 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routan FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -6% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan.
Similar 2012 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volkswagen Routan (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota Sienna | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2012 Kia Sedona | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Nissan Quest | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear · Apr 5, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V147000 · 15 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2012 Volkswagen Routan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Volkswagen Routan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 35 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 21 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Routan years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Routan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 Routan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2011 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 150 |
| 2010 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 158 |
| 2009 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 154 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →