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2011 Volkswagen Routan

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2011 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan offering a comfortable ride and spacious interior, appealing to families needing practicality. It’s essentially a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan. The 2011 Routan was available with two engine options: a 3.6L Pentastar V6 producing 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 4.0L V6 producing 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the Routan’s European styling cues and comfortable seating, while others find the Chrysler-based platform less refined than some competitors and some have complained about reliability.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

  • Oil Filter Housing Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil filter housing, often dripping onto the engine and potentially causing a burning smell. Visible oil pooling may be present.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing with an updated design, or replace the seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and possible check engine light illumination (often with codes related to misfires).
    • Solution: Diagnosing the cause and replacing faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per cylinder depending on parts replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V6

  • Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and possible check engine light illumination (often with codes related to misfires).
    • Solution: Diagnosing the cause and replacing faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per cylinder depending on parts replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

  • Rough Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, transmission slipping (engine revving without acceleration), and potential for complete transmission failure.
    • Solution: In some cases, a software update might help. However, often requires valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $3,000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, especially during light acceleration. Can also lead to transmission overheating.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Suspension Sag
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear end of the vehicle sagging, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. Can cause a bouncy ride and affect handling.
    • Solution: Replacing the rear shocks and/or springs. Air suspension components (if equipped) may need repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Struts/Shocks
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll during cornering, and longer stopping distances.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn struts and/or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Power Sliding Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
    • Solution: Replacing the sliding door motor, repairing wiring, or replacing the door latch assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found
  • TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Wide range of electrical issues, including fuel pump relay failure (leading to stalling), horn not working, wipers not working, and airbag warning lights.
    • Solution: Replacing the TIPM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Radio/Navigation System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Radio or navigation system freezing, not turning on, or displaying error messages.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the radio/navigation unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Power Sliding Door Cable Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding door cable will break, and the door will not open or close.
    • Solution: Replacing the power sliding door cable.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$800+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Power Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to go up or down, making grinding noises, or becoming stuck.
    • Solution: Replacing the power window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Volkswagen Routan, while offering practicality and a spacious interior, can present owners with a variety of issues. The most significant problems often relate to the transmission and electrical systems, particularly the TIPM. Engine issues, such as oil leaks and misfires, are also common. Suspension problems can affect ride quality and handling. Repair costs can vary significantly, with transmission and TIPM replacements being the most expensive. Before purchasing a used 2011 Routan, a thorough inspection and review of its maintenance history are highly recommended.

Volkswagen, Routan
Volkswagen Routan 2011
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