2013 Volkswagen Routan

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Volkswagen Routan
Pictured: 2009 Volkswagen Routan SE. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minivan - 2WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 162 for similar models.
  • 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 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 6% worse than the 2013 minivan average of 21.2 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 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Routan — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Routan →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Routan FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-6%$3,350454
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.2 MPG2013 Minivan - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan.

Similar 2013 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Volkswagen Routan (this car)20 MPGNot rated0
2013 Toyota Sienna21 MPGNot rated6
2013 Honda Odyssey22 MPGNot rated6
2013 Dodge Grand Caravan20 MPGNot rated4
2013 Chrysler Town and Country20 MPGNot rated4
2013 Nissan Quest21 MPGNot rated0
2013 Ram C/V20 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Volkswagen Routan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

7Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
100,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine3
Electrical System2
Power Train2
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/07: 117/06: 118/11: 119/06: 121/07: 123/05: 123/06: 116/0717/0618/1119/0621/0723/0523/06max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Volkswagen Routan buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Routan years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2014 Routan20–Not rated02
2012 Routan20202.4 inNot rated158
2011 Routan20202.4 inNot rated0150
2010 Routan20202.4 inNot rated2158
2009 Routan20202.4 inNot rated5154

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →