CarRecallDB

2012 Volkswagen Routan recalls and problems

1 recall and 63 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan.

1
recalls
63
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Volkswagen Routan recalls

Suspension: rear

NHTSA campaign 12V147000 · reported April 5, 2012 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 15 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 8, 2024 · Air bags

Driver steering wheel airbag deployed while parking van at work. Nothing was hit just went off causing burns and wrist pain and swelling. Wife stated that the front windshield wipers started turning on randomly while driving to work and then airbag blew while parking.

Mar 22, 2024 · Electrical system

My vehicle is shutting off while driving. It randomly shuts off and I see there are other recalls associated with this issue for a different year but same vehicle/model. I am being quoted well over $2,000 in repairs. This vehicle only has 130,000 miles on it.

Dec 17, 2023 · Service brakes

At first it starts off the vehicle will just shut off while you are driving which is very dangerous I have read many people complaining about this it needs to be recalled then the brakes go and then the transmission seal I have done all the maintenance up keep on my vehicle there is no reason for the vehicle did you…

Jun 22, 2023 · Engine

NHTSA Recall 14v396 is probably the best correction to this issue. My van has shut off mid-driving while my children are in the car with me. It is so dangerous in the road. I can't move the steering wheel. Mechanics can't seem to diagnose the problem because the van doesn't give any computer codes when it would shut…

Oct 4, 2022 · Electrical system

Several times in the last month the car has stopped running without warning. It just shuts off. This has happened in our subdivision travelling at 20mph and most recently on the highway travelling 65mph. The power steering, brakes, everything go dead when the car just turns off and this could cause a serious accident.

Routan model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 629463
2010 224053
2011 017542
2012 16310
2013 0700
2014 0200

Across all years, the 2009 Routan has the most complaints (294). All Volkswagen Routan years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan, the most recent reported on April 5, 2012 (Suspension: rear). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Routan?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (39 complaints), followed by engine (21).
How many 2012 Volkswagen Routan complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 63 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 8, 2024.