2013 Volkswagen Routan problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 7 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2013 Volkswagen Routan has 7 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 77,000 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Routan | 240 | 2 |
| 2011 Routan | 175 | 0 |
| 2012 Routan | 63 | 1 |
| 2013 Routan (this page) | 7 | 0 |
| 2014 Routan | 2 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 7 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 7 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Volkswagen Routan VAN FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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…
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…
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…
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.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Routan reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 7 owner complaints have been filed for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
Only 7 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2013 Volkswagen Routan without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2013 Volkswagen Routan to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Routan a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 7 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 77,000 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Volkswagen Routan has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Volkswagen Routan?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 7 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.