DecodedCars2011 Volkswagen Routan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- FWD Minivan Trendline/Comfortline/High
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 202.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,495 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,495 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 3% worse than the 2011 minivan average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2011
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
- Engines dropped: 4.0L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Routan →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD Minivan Trendline/Comfortline/High | 202.4 in | 76.8 in | 68.9 in | 121.3 in | 65 / 65 in | 4,495 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routan FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -3% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan.
Similar 2011 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volkswagen Routan (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Toyota Sienna | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2011 Kia Sedona | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Nissan Quest | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2011 Volkswagen Routan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volkswagen Routan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 103 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 44 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 36 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 74,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Routan years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Routan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 Routan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2012 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 58 |
| 2010 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 158 |
| 2009 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 154 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →