2013 Volkswagen Routan problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (3) · Power Train (2) · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Volkswagen Routan model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (410)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-03-27 · VOS-26-21 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Electrical System 2026-03-06 · VOS-26-15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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, c
Air Bags 2026-03-02 · DC_VW_CF_Airbag · Other
the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
Electrical System 2026-01-06 · VOS-26-01 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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:
Engine 2025-02-12 · V1917012022548_14 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
identifying and mixing engine coolant
Unknown Or Other 2024-10-07 · CampTip_RNA_VW · Other
vehicle concerns before recall repair available
Showing the 6 most recent of 410 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-06-06 · Power Train · 130,000 mi“the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen routan. the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off. after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. 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…”
2023-05-18 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint · 100,000 mi“ the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen routan. the contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 mph, the passenger’s side front headrest prematurely deployed without impact. 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 …”
2021-07-29 · Power Train · 128,000 mi“the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen routan. the contact stated while driving 50 mph, he started to hear an abnormal sound. 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 disa…”
2019-06-25 · Engine“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.…”
2018-11-09 · Engine · 80,000 mi“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. not included by vin and falls just outside the manufacturing date, which resulted in a manufacturers extended warranty for similar fa…”
2017-06-23 · Engine · 74,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen routan. 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, il 60435 815-741-1100) where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. the …”
2016-07-20 · Electrical System · 9,500 mi“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. were -5 degrees outside; engine only starts when remot…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.