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2012 Volkswagen

Routan

Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L

Volkswagen Routan: best and worst years
2012 Volkswagen Routan
2012 photoElise240SXCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Minivan - 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
Gasoline or E85EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
25 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
17 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,100EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
6/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG
28.9 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 8.9 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
202 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
77 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
121 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,495 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
1
Owner complaints
63
Reported injuries
2

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM34%
  • ENGINE18%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7%
  • STEERING7%
  • POWER TRAIN6%
  • SERVICE BRAKES6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 115 total.

Volkswagen Routan: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

411 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Mar 27, 2026ENGINEVOS-26-21

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.

  • Mar 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-15

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components.

  • Mar 2, 2026AIR BAGSDC_VW_CF_Airbag

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.

  • Jan 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-01

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output:

  • Feb 12, 2025ENGINEV1917012022548_14

    Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant

  • Dec 2, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHERMULT action closures VW

    Multiple Emissions service action closures

  • Oct 7, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHERCampTip_RNA_VW

    Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available

  • Sep 17, 2024POWER TRAINV3718022033975_13

    Fluid requirements

  • and 403 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance
2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.