8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$780
Average Mileage:
111,000 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. bypass relay or replace TIPM (3 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
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problem #4

Mar 092018

Routan SEL 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

I've only driven Volkswagens my entire life and I have never had so many expensive issues with a car. Volkswagen is a great brand and you pay more money for the quality and dependability but with the Routan it has been a mess from the beginning. We owned our Routan less than a year when the transmission went out. The check engine light will not go off and since it wont go off my remote start wont work. The engine thermostat is bad , the CO2 sensors are all showing they are bad, something kept draining our battery and it took us $200 to find wires that were crossed, the starter started hard starting so we replaced the fuel injector for a whopping $600 and that still didnt fix the problem so our mechanic looked up what might fix it and has found that Routans computers falsely relay to the starter that there is an issue. So now we are waiting for a part that bypasses the computer to let the car start normally. The other day when I was driving it just shut off and I had to drift out of an intersection to the side of the road and restart it. I feel like I am holding my breath wondering what will happen next. I have loved Volkswagens but this has me seriously considering whether I will ever buy one again. I'm deeply disappointed that they came out with such a crappy car.

- Kelli S., Spokane, WA, US

problem #3

Oct 262017

Routan SE 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

I just purchased the vehicle and a week later started having issues. Everything I have read so far tells me it is a known problem. Same problem as the Chrysler and Dodge have been having and were forced to recall it due to a settlement. I am wondering why has VW not done the same. I will look into maybe buying the same bypass kit used on Dodge and Chrysler considering they were all made by the same manufacturer and see if it all lines up the same way.

- Nelson S L., Wahiawa, US

problem #2

Jun 012016

Routan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

first my van would crank but not turn all the way over when starting . Then I would have to try and start several times before successfully starting. Then that problem went away and the fuel pump would run and drain battery. I had to replace shot battery $200. I thought I needed to replace my fuel pump. I tried to get it diagnosed, it didn't act up and they found nothing wrong $90 later. That problem stopped but then it would die going from idle to giving it gas. Like pulling into a busy intersection. VERY DANGEROUS! Now it hardly starts most times. but others times it starts just fine. My research says its the Tipm Module/Relay Box. Now I have to bring it back to the shop and see it they agree.

So the icing on the cake is that Chrysler makes this mini van with VW suspension and interior. Chrysler recalled this very part on there town and countries but VW is yet to do so.

I don't want to relpace part with another faulty part. I want the part that Chrysler updated, but Chrysler has troubles looking up any part for it because its made by VW. I will not give up and I wont waist my money either.

- heldemily@yahoo.co, Ukiah, CA, US

problem #1

Dec 232015

Routan SEL 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

fuel pump relay on TIPM is failing

I purchased this van in 2012 with 10,000 miles. In December 2015 with approximately 75,000 miles, fuel pump stays on when van is off or will to activate at all when starting. When pump stays on, it drains the battery. If fuel pump relay is bypassed on the TIPM, problem is resolved. The only repair per dealer service is to replace the TIPM.

- newsomga, Cumming, GA, US