2013 Volkswagen Routan

The 2013 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan offering seating for seven and ample cargo space, essentially a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country. It came equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Routan’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available features. However, common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with electrical components and some engine/transmission issues.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

• Oil Filter Housing Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks often develop around the oil filter housing due to cracking or gasket failure. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, low oil pressure warning light, and the smell of burning oil.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing assembly. Upgraded aluminum housings are available as a more durable alternative to the original plastic version.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Train Problems (Tick)
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud ticking noise from the engine, especially noticeable at idle or low speeds. This can be caused by worn roller rockers or lifters.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected roller rockers and/or lifters.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (62TE)

• Rough Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting between gears, noticeable slipping during acceleration, and potential for the transmission to get stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Diagnosis may include fluid check/change, solenoid replacement, or valve body repair/replacement. In severe cases, a full transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the power sliding doors to open or close. This can be caused by faulty door motors, wiring issues, or problems with the door latch mechanism.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves checking fuses, wiring, and door motor function. Replacement of the faulty components is usually required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Navigation System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, or complete failure of the radio/navigation system. This can stem from software glitches or hardware failures.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. Hardware failures may require replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $800+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: A wide range of electrical problems, including stalling, non-starting, fuel pump issues, and erratic behavior of various electrical components.
  • Solution: Replacement of the TIPM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Cable Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cable that actuates the sliding door breaks, preventing the door from opening or closing properly, even manually.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sliding door cable and possibly related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window failing to move up or down, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Volkswagen Routan can be a comfortable and practical minivan, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues that owners have reported. Electrical problems, particularly related to the TIPM and power sliding doors, are frequent and can be costly to repair. Engine issues, such as oil leaks, and transmission problems can also add to the ownership expenses. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, pre-purchase inspections and a thorough maintenance history review are highly recommended. The severity of the issues varies, but the potential for significant repair costs exists, making it crucial to factor these risks into the purchase decision.