MotorDeets

2012 Volkswagen Routan: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2012 Volkswagen Routan: 1 recall, 63 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
63owner complaints
1mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2012 Volkswagen Routan
Photo: DestinationFearFan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Suspension Vehicle recall #12V147000 · 2012 · 15 vehicles

What's wrong: Some vehicles May be equipped with right rear hub and bearing assemblies that were not fully machined.

Why it matters: This could result in a decrease in durability, which May lead to wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical39
Engine21
Steering8
Fuel & propulsion8
Brakes7
Transmission & drivetrain7
Other / unknown7
Airbags6

What owners describe

The 2012 Volkswagen Routan has 63 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 7 Routan model years for complaints (well below the 112 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 76,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (175 complaints, 0 recalls), 2013 (7 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.6 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive172520Gasoline or E85

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2012 Volkswagen Routan manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2012 Volkswagen Routan manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2012 Volkswagen Routan manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2012 Volkswagen Routan manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2012 Volkswagen Routan problems?

Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (39), engine (21), steering (8).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2012 Volkswagen Routan repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Routan years

2008200920102011201220132014