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

- 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
| 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 | -6% | $3,350 | 454 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Volkswagen Routan (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Sienna | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Nissan Quest | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Ram C/V | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
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
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Volkswagen Routan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 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 2013 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 |
| 2012 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 58 |
| 2011 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 150 |
| 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 →